Calculate Zero Air Void Unit Weights for Soil
Calculating zero air void unit weights for soil is crucial in geotechnical engineering to determine the compacted soil’s dry unit weight. This weight is essential for designing foundations, embankments, and other soil structures.
- Enter the soil’s density and air voids percentage.
- Choose the desired unit of measurement.
- Click ‘Calculate’ to find the zero air void unit weight and view the result.
The formula used is: γz = (G * γd) / (1 + w) – (G * S * γw), where:
- γz = zero air void unit weight
- G = specific gravity of soil solids
- γd = dry unit weight of soil
- w = water content
- S = degree of saturation
- γw = unit weight of water
| Soil Type | γz (kg/m³) | γz (lb/ft³) |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Soil | 16.5 | 1030 |
| Clayey Soil | 18.5 | 1150 |
- Always use the correct specific gravity value for the soil being tested.
- Ensure the soil is properly compacted before calculating the zero air void unit weight.
- Consider using a professional geotechnical engineer for complex projects.
What is the specific gravity of soil solids?
The specific gravity of soil solids is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of soil solids to the weight of an equal volume of water.