Density
The density or unit weight of a soil mass is defined as its weight per unit volume.
a. What is Bulk Density (𝛾)
The bulk density or moist density 𝛾 is defined as the total weight (W) as a soil mass per unit of its total volume (V).
Thus, 𝛾 =W/V
b. What is Submerged Density (𝛾sub)
The submerged density or buoyant unit weight is defined as the submerged weight ( [latex] W_{d} [/latex] )sub of the soil solids per unit of total volume (V) of the soil mass.
Thus, [latex] \gamma_{sub} = \frac{(W_{d})_{sub} }{V} [/latex]
It is also expressed as, [latex] \gamma_{sub} = \gamma_{sat} – \gamma_{w} [/latex]
Where [latex] \gamma_{w} [/latex] is the density of water and [latex] \gamma_{sat} [/latex] is the saturated density of soil.
c. What is Dry Density
The dry density or dry unit weight 𝛾d is defined as the weight of solids ( [latex] W_{d} [/latex] ) per unit of total volume (V) of the soil mass.
Thus, [latex] \gamma_{d} = \frac{W_{d} }{V} [/latex]
d. What is Saturated Density
When the soil mass is saturated, its bulk density is called the saturated density. Thus saturated density is the ratio of the total weight of a saturated soil sample ( [latex] W_{sat} [/latex] ) to its total volume (V).
Thus, [latex] \gamma_{sat} = \frac{W_{sat} }{V} [/latex]
e. What is the Density of Solids
The density or unit weight of soil solids Is the weight of soil solids ( [latex] W_{d} [/latex] ) per unit volume of the solids ( [latex] V_{s} [/latex] ).
Thus, [latex] \gamma_{s} = \frac{W_{d} }{V_{s}} [/latex]
Read also:
Define Specific Gravity, Bulk Specific Gravity, Air Content and Percentage Air Voids
What is Porosity, Void Ratio, Water or Moisture Content, And Degree of Saturation of Soil