Dry Density of Soil in kg/m³

Dry Density Formula:

\[ \rho_{\text{dry}} = \frac{m_{\text{dry}}}{V} \]

Dry Density (ρ_dry):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Dry Density of Soil?

Definition: Dry density (ρ_dry) is the mass of soil solids per unit total volume of soil when completely dry.

Purpose: It's a fundamental property in geotechnical engineering used to assess soil compaction and quality for construction projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \rho_{\text{dry}} = \frac{m_{\text{dry}}}{V} \]

Where:

ρ_dry — Dry density (kg/m³)
m_dry — Dry mass of soil (kg)
V — Total volume of soil (m³)

Explanation: The dry mass of soil is divided by the total volume it occupies to determine its density in the dry state.

3. Importance of Dry Density

Details: Dry density is crucial for evaluating soil compaction in earthworks, road construction, and foundation design. Higher dry density generally indicates better compaction and soil strength.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the dry mass of soil in kilograms and the total volume in cubic meters. Both values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical range for dry density?
A: Most soils range between 1200-1800 kg/m³, with clay soils at the lower end and well-graded granular soils at the higher end.

Q2: How do I obtain dry mass from wet soil?
A: Dry the soil sample in an oven at 105-110°C until constant mass is achieved (usually 24 hours).

Q3: What affects dry density values?
A: Soil type, particle size distribution, moisture content, and compaction effort all influence dry density.

Q4: How is this different from bulk density?
A: Bulk density includes water in the pores, while dry density considers only the solid particles.

Q5: Why is dry density important in construction?
A: It helps determine bearing capacity, settlement potential, and whether compaction specifications are met.