Soil - Earth Weight and Composition

Typical weight and composition of soil.

Approximate Weight

Type of Soil	Approximate Weight
Type of Soil	(lb/ft³)	(kg/m³)
Loose earth	75	1200
Rammed earth	100	1600

Typical Composition

Element	Approximate Content (%)
Aluminum	6 - 10
Calcium	1 - 7
Iron	2 - 10
Magnesium	0.1 - 3
Oxygen	44 - 49
Potassium	1.5 - 3
Silicon	22 - 36
Sodium	2.4 - 2.5

Soil Classification

Soil	Seeve Size (mm)
Silt	0.002 - 0.06
Sand	0.06 - 2.0
Gravel	2.0 - 60
Cobbles	60 - 200
Boulders	200 -

Soil Volume Relationships

Void Ratio

e = V_v / V_s

= n / (1 - n) (1)

where

e = void ratio

V_v = V_a + V_w = volume of water and air in soil (m³)

V_a = volume of air in soil (m³)

V_w = volume of water in soil (m³)

V_s = volume of solids in soil (m³)

n = porosity

Porosity

n = V_v / V

= e / (1 + e) (2)

where

n = porosity

V = total volume of soil - inclusive water and air (m³)

Degree of Saturation

S = V_w / V (3)

where

S = degree of saturation

V = total volume of soil - inclusive water and air (m³)

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