Water Content in Soil

Water or moisture content in soil can be expressed as

w = 100 M_w/M_s                     (1)

where 

w = moisture content (%)

M_w = mass of water in soil (kg, lb)

M_s = dry mass of soil (kg, lb)

Water content can be tested according ASTM D 2216-92 by determining the mass of the wet soil specimen and then drying the soil in an oven 12 - 16 hours at a temperature of 110^oC. Values can vary from essentially 0% (near surface rubble, gravel or clean sand) up to 1200% (organic soil like fibrous peat).

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• Engineering ToolBox, (2010). Water Content in Soil. [online] Available at: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/soil-water-content-d_1643.html [Accessed Day Mo. Year].

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