How to Calculate and Solve for Dry Unit Weight of Soil | Soil Mechanics and Foundation

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

The image above represents dry unit weight of soil. To calculate dry unit weight of soil, two essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Unit weight of soil (γ) and Moisture content (w).

The formula for calculating dry unit weight of soil:

γ_d = ^γ / _{1 + w}

Where:

γ_d = Dry Unit Weight of Soil
γ = Unit Weight of Soil
w = Moisture Content

Let’s solve an example;
Find the dry unit weight of soil when the unit weight of soil is 12 and the moisture content is 6.

This implies that;

γ = Unit Weight of Soil = 12
w = Moisture Content = 6

γ_d = ^γ / _{1 + w}
That is, γ_d = ¹² / _{1 + 6}
γ_d = ¹² / ₇
γ_d = 1.71

Therefore, the dry unit weight of soil is 1.71.

Calculating for the Unit Weight of Soil when the Dry Unit Weight of Soil and the Moisture Content are Given

γ = γ_d (1 + w)

Where;

γ = Unit Weight of Soil
γ_d = Dry Unit Weight of Soil
w = Moisture Content

Let’s solve an example;
Find the unit weight of soil when the dry unit weight of soil is 22 and the moisture content is 12.

This implies that;

γ_d = Dry Unit Weight of Soil = 22
w = Moisture Content = 12

γ = γ_d (1 + w)
Then, γ = 22 (1 + 12)
γ = 22 (13)
γ = 286

Therefore, the unit weight of soil is 286.

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Unit Weight | Soil Mechanics and Foundation

Calculating the Moisture Content when the Dry Unit Weight of Soil and the Unit Weight are Given

w = ^γ / _γd – 1

Where;

w = Moisture Content
γ_d = Dry Unit Weight of Soil
γ = Unit Weight of Soil

Let’s solve an example;
Find the moisture content when the dry unit weight of soil is 6 and the unit weight of soil is 24.

This implies that;

γ_d = Dry Unit Weight of Soil = 6
γ = Unit Weight of Soil = 24

w = ^γ / _γd – 1
So, w = ²⁴ / ₆ – 1
w = 4 – 1
w = 3

Therefore, the moisture content is 3.

How to Calculate Dry Unit Weight of Soil in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Using Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the dry unit weight of soil.

To get the answer and workings of the dry unit weight of soil 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 Dry Unit Weight of Soil under Soil Mechanics and Foundation

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the dry unit weight of soil according to the respective parameters which is the Unit weight of soil (γ) and Moisture content (w).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Unit weight of soil (γ) is 12 and Moisture content (w) is 6.

Finally, Click on Calculate

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