Question

A clayey soil has a moisture content of 18%, a specific gravity of soil solids of 2.74, and a degree of saturation of 65%. The soil soaks up water during a rain event, and the degree of saturation increases to 85.2%. The change of the volume during the soakage is negligible. The new moisture content (in %) of the soil will be ......... (rounded off to 2 decimal places).

Hint:

To calculate moisture content changes in soils with varying degrees of saturation, use the relationship between moisture content, specific gravity, and saturation levels.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 23.3

\[ w_i = 18%, \quad S_i = 65%, \quad G = 2.74 \] \[ e = \frac{w_i G}{S_i} = \frac{18 \times 2.74}{65} = 0.7587 \] For the same saturation (85.2%): \[ w = \frac{eS}{G} = \frac{0.7587 \times 85.2}{2.74} = 23.59% \] Correct Answer: 23.59% (rounded to two decimal places).