Three Phase Diagram
Soil has two principle components: solid particles and voids. Voids are the empty spaces in between the solid particles that may be filled with air or liquid or both. These components make solid a complex matter and difficult to study about. Therefore, with a view to simplify the study, these particles are segregated and shown in different layers (similar to a block diagram). The diagram which shows solid, water and air of soil separately is known as 3-phase diagram (figure shown alongside).
Here,W = Total Weight = Weight of solid particles + Weight of water (Weight of air can be neglected because of its low density)
V = Total Volume = Volume of solid particles + Volume of water + Volume of air
Ws = Weight of solid particles
Wa = Weight of air
Vs = Volume of solid particles
Vw = Volume of water
Vv = Volume of voids = Total volume (V) - Volume of solid particles (Vs)
Soil has two principle components: solid particles and voids. Voids are the empty spaces in between the solid particles that may be filled with air or liquid or both. These components make solid a complex matter and difficult to study about. Therefore, with a view to simplify the study, these particles are segregated and shown in different layers (similar to a block diagram). The diagram which shows solid, water and air of soil separately is known as 3-phase diagram (figure shown alongside).
Here,W = Total Weight = Weight of solid particles + Weight of water (Weight of air can be neglected because of its low density)
V = Total Volume = Volume of solid particles + Volume of water + Volume of air
Ws = Weight of solid particles
Wa = Weight of air
Vs = Volume of solid particles
Vw = Volume of water
Vv = Volume of voids = Total volume (V) - Volume of solid particles (Vs)
Basic Definitions
Relationship between Degree of Saturation, Specific Gravity of solids (G) and Water Content
Specific Gravity of Solids is defined as the ratio of mass of a given volume of solids to the mass of the same volume of water at 4 degree Centigrade.
Unit Weight Relationships