Saturated Unit Weight

on . Posted in Geotechnical Engineering

partially saturated soil 1Saturated unit weight, abbreviated as \(\large{ \gamma_{sat} }\), is the weight or density of a soil or sediment when it is fully saturated with water.  It is an important parameter in geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics, as it helps in understanding the behavior of soils and their ability to bear loads or withstand external forces.

In practical applications, the saturated unit weight is essential for designing foundations, retaining walls, and other geotechnical structures.  It helps engineers assess the stability and settlement characteristics of soils under different moisture conditions.  When soils are fully saturated, they tend to have reduced shear strength and may undergo consolidation, leading to settlement. Understanding the saturated unit weight is crucial for making informed engineering decisions.

 

Saturated Unit Weight formula

\( \gamma_{sat} =   W_t \;/\; V_t  \)     (Saturated Unit Weight)

\( W_t = \gamma_{sat} \; V_t  \) 

\( V_t = W_t \;/\; \gamma_{sat}  \) 

Solve for γsat

total weight of soil, Wt
total volume of soil, Vt

Solve for Wt

saturated unit weight, γsat
total volume of soil, Vt

Solve for Vt

total weight of soil, Wt
saturated unit weight, γsat

Symbol English Metric
\( \gamma_{sat} \)  (Greek symbol gamma) = saturated unit weight \(lbf \;/\; ft^3\)  \(N \;/\; m^3\)
\( W_t \) = total weight of soil \(lbf\) \(N\)
\( V_t \) = total volume of soil \(ft^3\) \(m^3\)

 

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Tags: Weight Soil