How to Calculate and Solve for Degree of Saturation | Soil Mechanics and Foundation

September 26, 2020April 17, 2024 Loveth Idoko

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

The image above represents the degree of saturation. Two essential parameters are needed to calculate the degree of saturation: the volume of the water (Vw) and the volume of the void space (Vv).

The formula for calculating degree of saturation:

S_r = ^V_w / _{V_v}

Where:

S_r = Degree of Saturation
V_w = Volume of the Water
V_v = Volume of the Void Space

Let’s solve an example;
Find the degree of saturation when the volume of the water is 48 and the volume of the void space is 12.

This implies that;

V_w = Volume of the Water = 48
V_v = Volume of the Void Space = 12

That is, S_r = ^V_w / _{V_v}
S_r = ⁴⁸ / ₁₂
S_r = 4

Therefore, the degree of saturation is 4.

Calculating the Volume of the Water when the Degree of Saturation and the Volume of the Void Space are Given

V_w = S_r x V_v

Where;

V_w = Volume of the Water
S_r = Degree of Saturation
V_v = Volume of the Void Space

Let’s solve an example;
Find the volume of the water when the degree of saturation is 12 and the volume of the void space is 12.

This implies that;

S_r = Degree of Saturation = 12
V_v = Volume of the Void Space = 12

That is, V_w = S_r x V_v
V_w = 12 x 12
V_w = 144

Therefore, the volume of the water is 144.

Calculating the Volume of the Void Space when the Degree of Saturation and the Volume of the Water are Given

V_v = ^V_w / _{S_r}

Where;

V_v = Volume of the Void Space
S_r = Degree of Saturation
V_w = Volume of the Water

Let’s solve an example;
Find the volume of the void space when the degree of saturation is 4 and the volume of the water is 40.

This implies that;

S_r = Degree of Saturation = 4
V_w = Volume of the Water = 40

V_v = ^V_w / _{S_r}
This means that V_v = ⁴⁰ / ₄
V_v = 10

Therefore, the volume of the void space is 10.

How to Calculate Degree of Saturation in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Using Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the degree of saturation.

To get the answer and workings of the degree of saturation using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 2,000 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Agricultural under Engineering.

Now, Click on Soil Mechanics and Foundation under Agricultural

Now, Click on Degree of Saturation under Soil Mechanics and Foundation

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the degree of saturation according to the respective parameters which is the Volume of the water (V_w) and Volume of the void space (V_v).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Volume of the water (V_w) is 48 and Volume of the void space (V_v) is 12.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the degree of saturation and presents the formula, workings and steps too.