1. What is Density of Loose Soil?

Definition: Density (ρ) is the mass of soil per unit volume, typically measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

Purpose: Understanding soil density is crucial for construction, agriculture, and engineering projects to assess load-bearing capacity and material requirements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \rho \) — Density (kg/m³)
• \( m \) — Mass of soil (kg)
• \( V \) — Volume (m³)

Explanation: The mass of the soil sample is divided by its volume to determine its density.

3. Importance of Soil Density

Details: Loose soil typically has a density range of 1100–1400 kg/m³. Knowing this helps in:

• Foundation design
• Earthwork calculations
• Material transportation planning
• Agricultural applications

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure the mass of your soil sample in kilograms
• Measure the volume it occupies in cubic meters
• For loose soil, ensure the sample is uncompacted

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between loose and compacted soil density?
A: Compacted soil can be 20-40% denser than loose soil due to reduced air voids.

Q2: How do I measure soil volume accurately?
A: Use a container of known volume, fill with loose soil without compacting, and level the surface.

Q3: Why does soil type affect density?
A: Different soils (sand, clay, loam) have varying particle sizes and packing characteristics.

Q4: How does moisture affect soil density?
A: Water increases mass but may not significantly change volume, resulting in higher density readings.

Q5: What's a typical bulk density for common soils?
A: Sandy soils: 1200-1600 kg/m³, clay soils: 1000-1400 kg/m³, loam: 1100-1300 kg/m³.