Question

A saturated soil mass has a total density of 22 kN/m\(^3\) and a water content of 10%. What is the dry density of the soil?

• A. 12 kN/m\(^3\)
• B. 20 kN/m\(^3\)
• C. 22 kN/m\(^3\)
• D. 24 kN/m\(^3\)

Hint:

In geotechnical problems involving saturated soils, always use the formula for dry density to calculate soil properties based on the water content and total density.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The dry density \( \rho_d \) is calculated using the following formula: \[ \rho_d = \frac{\rho}{1 + w} \] Where: - \( \rho \) is the total density, - \( w \) is the water content (as a decimal). Substitute the values: \[ \rho_d = \frac{22}{1 + 0.10} = \frac{22}{1.10} = 20 \, \text{kN/m}^3 \] Thus, the dry density is 20 kN/m\(^3\).