Expert: Dr. Abdulaziz Jarkas - 5/27/2007

Question
Hi.. I'm a student. Something in soil mechanics confused me.
What is the different for the density of soil/ dry density if obtained by using these two formulas?
Gs=(density of soil/ density of water)
and
dry density of soil = [Gs/(1+e)]x density of water
Will the definition of dry density of soil = density of soil?
Your help is very much appreciated.
Thanks
CN BOng


Answer
Dear Nyap,

The density of the soil comprises of the dry particles, water, and gaseous materials. When we talk about the density of the soil, we refer to all these elements combined. On the other hand, the dry density is the same principle however, without the water element.

Hope this clear!

Dr. A. Jarkas