This page titled 1.9: Bulk Density, Particle Density, and Porosity is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Mark W. Bowen via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request. Take an average of 3 values these values should not vary by more than 2 to 3%. Void Ratio, e 3. s) = Ws/Vs; 12. This method, the simplest, calculates the volume based on height and diameter/width measurements. Determine water content within a soil sample as a percentage, by drying the soil in the oven at 105oC for 24 hours. Remove the aggregate from the water and dry it until it maintains a constant mass. Relative density is an index that quantifies the state of compactness between the loosest and densest possible state of coarse-grained soils. Mathematically , G = Ms / Mw = s / w = s / w Where, s = Density of Solid w = Density of Water s = Unit Weight of Solid w = Unit Weight of Water Soil density is relatively simple and cheap to measure. So, the bulk density would be 1600 k. Recall that Specific Gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water. at least ten times from a height of about 2-3 inches. If particle density remains constant, as bulk density increases porosity decreases. This SSD condition allows for internal air voids to be counted as part of the specimen volume and is achieved by soaking the specimen in a water bath for 4 minutes then removing it and quickly blotting it dry with a damp towel. Considerable preparation time may be necessary if contamination must be removed from the bottom of the sample. sb= Bulk Density In this laboratory, additional physical properties will be measured, and their implications for land management will be discussed. Basic formula for density (note: m = W/g) This indicates that all the water has left the sample. An incorrect bulk specific gravity value will result in incorrectly calculated air voids, VMA, VFA and ultimately result in an incorrect mix design. This sample size is based on nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS). You may have been told that 2.204 lb is equal to 1 kilogram or that 1 lb equals 0.454 kg, but what this really means is that a force of 2.204 lb results from that object's mass times the local value of gravity in some units or another. To derive the Specific Gravity of a soil, the following equipment is needed: The Specific Gravity is computed as the ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of soil particles at a stated temperature to the weight in air of an equal volume of distilled water at the same temperature. Soil porosity is also dependent on, and inversely related to, soil density. Specific gravity of solid = 2.65. You can get this app via any of these means: Webhttps://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus, To get access to theprofessionalversion via web, you need toregisterandsubscribeforNGN 2,000perannumto have utter access to all functionalities. A change in aggregate mineral or physical properties can result in a change in specific gravity. i av = N d at middle of heave soil prism /unit length pile. The Specific Gravity of Soil is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of the material to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water. The jar is now included with 100ml of mineral water. ASK AN EXPERT. The Soil Specific Gravity is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of the material to the weight of an equal volume of distilled water. Selected Topics. This is because in the normal procedure the water may not be able to penetrate the pores to the center of the aggregate particle during the soaking time. The specific gravity of solids, G is determined using following equation: G= (M2-M1)/[(M2-M1)-(M3-M4)] Where M 1 = mass of empty pycnometer M 2 = mass of pycnometer and dry soil M 3 = mass of pycnometer, soil, and water M 4 = mass of pycnometer filled with water only. The liquid and gas portions are essential for plant growth and are found in the pore spaces among the soil solids. Soil's specific surface area (s, m2/g): Depends on shape of soil particle. Given that the specific gravity of soil particle is 12 and the density of soil is 156. It may be necessary to wipe the larger particles separately. Dry Mass Density Although the Test Description section describes the standard AASHTO T 166 saturated surface dry (SSD) water displacement method, there are a number of other methods available. Slowly pour approximately 25 mL of soil sample from beaker into water in the graduated cylinder. Organic matter affects the solids portion of the soil but also influences porosity indirectly through its effect on structure. W b = Weight of Pycnometer filled with water and soil. Dry overnight. Now, Click on Soil Mechanics and Foundation underAgricultural, Now, Click on Bulk Density underSoil Mechanics and Foundation. A (relatively) undisturbed, cylindrical soil core is collected using a device like the one shown in Figure 8.1. HMA bulk specific gravity is needed to determine weight-volume relationships and to calculate various volume-related quantities such as air voids and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA). This method of determining the specific gravity of soil given here is applicable for soils composed of particles smaller than 4.75 mm (No.4 U.S. sieve) in size. This method has shown promise in both accuracy and precision. Figure 7 shows the Troxler device. Volume of water in soil is also often expressed by equivalent depth of water, D e: D Gs = Specific Gravity of Soil Particle = 12 Download Solution PDF. Pavement Interactive was developed by thePavement Tools Consortium, a partnership between several state DOTs, the FHWA, and the University of Washington, as part of their effort tofurther develop and use computer-based pavement tools. Weight of soil mass at moist condition: 56.6 kg. Take an average of 3 values these values should not vary by more than 2 to 3%. Total weight, $W = W_w + W_s$, Void ratio, $e = \dfrac{V_v}{V_s}$, Note: $0 \lt e \lt \infty$, Porosity, $n = \dfrac{V_v}{V}$, Note: $0 \lt n \lt 1$, Relationship between e and n, $n = \dfrac{e}{1 + e}$ and $e = \dfrac{n}{1 - n}$, Water content or moisture content, $w = \dfrac{W_w}{W_s} \times 100\%$, Note: $0 \lt w \lt \infty$, Degree of saturation, $S = \dfrac{V_w}{V_v}$, Note: $0 \le S \le 1$, Relationship between G, w, S, and e, $Gw = Se$, Moist unit weight or bulk unit weight, $\gamma_m = \dfrac{W}{V} = \dfrac{(G + Se)\gamma_w}{1 + e} = \dfrac{G( 1 + w)\gamma_w}{1 + e}$, Dry unit weight, $\gamma_d = \dfrac{W_s}{V} = \dfrac{G\gamma_w}{1 + e}$, Saturated unit weight, $\gamma_{sat} = \dfrac{(G + e)\gamma_w}{1 + e}$, Submerged or buoyant unit weight, $\gamma_b = \gamma_{sat} - \gamma_w = \dfrac{(G - 1)\gamma_w}{1 + e}$, Critical hydraulic gradient, $i_{cr} = \dfrac{\gamma_b}{\gamma_w} = \dfrac{G - 1}{1 + e}$, Relative Density, $D_r = \dfrac{e_{max} - e}{e_{max} - e_{min}} = \dfrac{\dfrac{1}{(\gamma_d)_{min}} - \dfrac{1}{\gamma_d}}{\dfrac{1}{(\gamma_d)_{min}} - \dfrac{1}{(\gamma_d)_{max}}}$, Atterberg Limits W = Total weight of given soil mass. Preparation of Soil Sample: A representative sample of soil of 12 kg mass is taken if the maximum size of the soil particle is less than 75 mm. Typically, aggregate used in HMA production will have a bulk specific gravity between about 2.400 and 3.000 with 2.700 being fairly typical of limestone. SG = / W. Thus, the bulk mass density of soil formula is p = M / V . Saturated surface-dry (SSD, water fills the aggregate pores). "Good engineers don't need to remember every formula; they just need to know where they can find them. $\gamma_s = G\gamma_w$, $\dfrac{W_s}{V_s} \cdot \dfrac{W_w}{W_w} = G\gamma_w$, $\dfrac{W_w}{V_s} \cdot \dfrac{W_s}{W_w} = G\gamma_w$, $\dfrac{W_w}{V_s} \cdot \dfrac{1}{W_w/W_s} = G\gamma_w$, $\dfrac{\gamma_w V_w}{V_s} \cdot \dfrac{1}{w} = G\gamma_w$, $\dfrac{V_w}{V_s} \cdot \dfrac{1}{w} = G$, $\dfrac{V_w}{V_s} \cdot \dfrac{V_v}{V_v} = Gw$, $\dfrac{V_w}{V_v} \cdot \dfrac{V_v}{V_s} = Gw$. Therefore, thespecific gravity of soil particleis0.5. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Aggregate absorption is the increase in mass due to water in the pores of the material. Remove all of sample within graduated cylinder. This implies that; m = Mass of the Soil = 24 V = Volume of the Soil = 6 s b = m / V s b = 24 / 6 s b = 4 The bulk specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of aggregate, including the permeable and impermeable voids in the particles, to the weight of an equal volume of water ( Kandhal et al., 2000; Prowell and Baker, 2004; Sholar et al., 2005 ). Soil physical properties control the mechanical behavior of soils and will strongly influence land use and management. Calculate bulk density, particle density, and porosity using the following formulas. w = water content or moisture content, Density of water and gravitational constantw = 1000 kg/m3w = 1 g/ccw = 62.4 lb/ft3 Their common symbols are: Porosity, n Engineering Civil Engineering A sand sample has a bulk density of 20kN/m and a degree of saturation of 70%. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. w = Density of Water = 9. Measure the length and diameter of the metal cylinders. V = Total volume of the given soil mass. If the sample is actually still wet on the surface then the mass of the SSD sample will be higher than it ought to be, which will cause a lower calculated bulk specific gravity. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. Lets solve an example; The flow of liquids and through soil is essential for the existence of plants and other soil organisms. Aggregate absorption is a useful quality because: It is generally desirable to avoid highly absorptive aggregate in HMA. Lets solve an example; First of all, we need to kind the density of the object. G= Specific gravity of soils. Question. Dry the material until it maintains a constant mass. Solution W=0.285KN, Ws=0.25KN, V=14*103*10-6=14*10-3m3 W%= e=?? The reference density of water at 4 o C (39 o F) is used as the reference as these are the conditions of maximum density. Home Science Classical Physics. Stop when the cap of the barrel is flush with the soil surface. W = weight of soil = density of soild = dry density of soilsat = saturated density of soil' = buoyant density of soilw = density of water Liquids and gases are mostly water and air, respectively. Now you're ready to calculate density. Either type of error will have a cascading effect on volumetric parameters in other tests that require specific gravity as an input and Superpave mix design. = Weight of water present in the given soil mass. Calculation Examples. Record the final weight of each canister (including the lid) plus oven-dry soil. Theoretical models to predict the capacity of helical piles are based on Soil Mechanics and an appr Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company's, Create a free account and view content that fits your specific interests in geotechnical engineering. The final specific gravity is calculated following the specific gravity of soil formulas in the test method, along with the density of water and temperature coefficient tables. Rolling up the aggregate into the towel and then shaking and rolling the aggregate from side to side is usually effective in reducing the sample to a SSD condition (Video 1). Between 20o C and 25o C the density of water is essentially 1 g/cm3. m = Mass of the Soil = 45. If the unit weight of soil is 50% saturated, then its bulk unit weight will be _____ If the unit weight of soil is 50% saturated, then its bulk unit weight will be ______ Vw = Volume of water Data Analysis. V = Volume of the Soil When a gamma ray source of primary energy in the Compton range is placed near a material, and an energy selective gamma ray detector is used for gamma ray counting, the scattered and unscattered gamma rays with energies in the Compton range can be counted exclusively. In the apparent specific gravity calculation the mass of the SSD aggregate sample is replaced by the mass of the oven-dry aggregate sample (A replaces B), which means that the water permeable voids within the aggregate are not included and (A C) is the mass of water displaced by the oven-dry sample. This lab is performed to determine the specific gravity of soil by using a pycnometer. Liquids and gases are mostly water and air, respectively. The results are as follows: Aggregate A: Bulk specific gravity=2.814; absorption=0.4% Aggregate B: Bulk specific gravity=2.441; absorption=3.0% What is the specific gravity of a mixture of 35% aggregate A and 65% aggregate B by weight? It is similar in nature to the fine aggregate specific gravity test. To get the answer and workings of the bulk density using the Nickzom Calculator The Calculator Encyclopedia. Finally, the bulk specific gravity (OD) is the ratio of the ovendry mass of the particles to the mass of a volume of water equal to the gross volume of the particles: OD bulk w gross wnet wpores AA A A G VVV ACBABC which, again, is the formula given in the ASTM specification. Gently stir soil/water mixture to remove any air bubbles. But instead of having g in the formula, use the density of water replacing the unit weight of water. All three use the aggregates oven dry weight. Weight-Volume Relationship from the Phase Diagram of Soil A quick check of the results should show that bulk specific gravity is the lowest specific gravity, bulk SSD specific gravity is in the middle and apparent specific gravity is the highest. D = Density of Fluid. The volume includes both solids and pores. 5. emax = void ratio of the soil at its loosest condition Calculating the Mass of the Soil when the Bulk Density and the Volume of the Soil is Given. 1993 AASHTO Flexible Pavement Structural Design, 1993 AASHTO Rigid Pavement Structural Design, Climate Change Impacts on Pavements and Resilience, E-Construction in Practice: A Peer Exchange with WSDOT and TxDOT. What is the range of bulk density values for an organic soil? It is denoted by 'Sr'. G S should not be confused with the soil density since it is a dimensionless unit and expresses the ratio of two particular densities. Plasticity index, $PI = LL - PL$, Liquidity index, $LI = \dfrac{MC - PL}{PI}$, Activity of clay, $A_c = \dfrac{PI}{\mu}$, where $\mu$ = soil finer than 0.002 mm in percent, Other Formulas The procedure should last for about 2-3 minutes for sands and 10-15 minutes for clays. It is often found that the specific gravity of the materials making up the soil particles are close to the value for quartz, that is Gs 2.65 For all the common soil forming minerals 2.5 < Gs < 2.8 We can use Gs to calculate the density or unit weight of the solid particles s = Gs w s = Gs w Add the second 25 mL of soil sample and stir again to remove air bubbles. Known values: total mass of the soil sample, Mt=30.2 g, dry mass of the soil sample, Ms=23.3 g. air mass Ma is negligible. Bulk Specific Gravity Formula. Since the specimen is completely wrapped when it is submerged, no water can get into it and a more accurate volume measurement is theoretically possible. Q.3: Give the formula to determine the specific gravity (Gs). Use a vacuum pump to gradually apply vacuum and remove the entrapped air while spinning the flask to remove the air bubbles. Degree of saturation is the ratio of volume of water to the volume of voids. The complete procedure can be found in: The mass of a coarse aggregate sample is determine in SSD, oven-dry and submerged states. s /? UNIT WEIGHT OF SOIL SOLIDS (? Now you have to learn some relations between these terms to solve any problem. Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. (Troxler). Measuring flask method Measuring flask is of 250 ml (or 500 ml) capacity . Bulk SSD specific gravities can be on the order of 0.050 to 0.100 higher than bulk oven dry specific gravities, while apparent specific gravities can be 0.050 to 0.100 higher still. The most common method (and the one described in the Test Description section), calculates the specimen volume by subtracting the mass of the specimen in water (Figure 2) from the mass of a SSD specimen. Specific gravity of solid particles of soil is the ratio of the unit weight of solids (s) to the unit weight of water (w). 4. The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the bulk density according to the respective parameters which is the Mass of the soil (m)andVolume of the soil (V). The degree of saturation is normally expressed in a percentage. sb= Bulk Density Definition: Specific gravity of aggregate is the ratio of the mass of solids in a particular volume of sample to the mass of the same volume of water at the same temperature of the solids. However, direct volume measurements are difficult, therefore weight measurements are usually made and then converted to a volume based on material specific gravities. Find the density of water? Where SG = specific gravity, = density of the material (kg/m 3 ), W = density of water ( kg/m 3 ). Remember, the volume of the water displaced is equal to the volume of the. Remove the barrel from the sampler and gently push the core out of the top of the barrel, taking care to keep the core intact. Your lab instructor will help you as needed. w. The mass density of water ? It is denoted by G. = Weight of water. Types: Absolute specific gravity Bulk specific gravity/apparent specific gravity Specific gravity is a unitless measurement of a sample's density relative to water. This laboratory entails a demonstration of the use of a soil density sampler, and a problem set that is focused on common soil density calculations. GS is a significant parameter of soil mechanics since it can be associated with the soils mineral composition and weathering. The Specific Gravity for Solids and Liquids equation (SG = / w) computes the Specific Gravity (SG) of a substance based on the ratio of mass density to density of water under standard conditions (4C). m = mass of soil This implies that; w = Density of Water = 22 Ps = Ms/ (500-Vw) Now that you have the density of soil solids, you can calculate the specific gravity of soil solids (SG). Several different types of specific gravity are commonly used depending upon how the volume of water permeable voids (or pores) within the aggregate are addressed (Figure 3): The following description is a brief summary of the test. Equation (3.21) may be derived by referring to the soil element shown in Figure 3.4, in which the volume of soil solids is equal to 1 and the volume of voids is equal to e. Figure (3.4) Three separate phases of a soil element showing mass-volume relationship Hence, the mass of soil solids, M s, is equal to G s w. The moisture content has been Specific gravities can vary widely depending upon aggregate type.