What Is the Soil Void Ratio, Porosity & Phase Relations Calculator?
Soil phase relations define the mathematical framework connecting solid mineral volume, pore water, and trapped air.
How Does the Soil Void Ratio, Porosity & Phase Relations Calculator Work?
Total volume is partitioned into solid particles and void space. Void volume holds liquid water and gas.
Soil Void Ratio, Porosity & Phase Relations Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
e = \frac{G_s \cdot \gamma_w}{\gamma_d} - 1, \quad n = \frac{e}{1 + e} \cdot 100\%, \quad S_r = \frac{w \cdot G_s}{e} \cdot 100\%
Void ratio e is the ratio of void volume to solid volume; porosity n is void volume over total volume.
How to Use the Soil Void Ratio, Porosity & Phase Relations Calculator
- Input grain specific gravity Gs.
- Specify measured moisture content w (%).
- Enter wet bulk density in g/cm³.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Compacted Sandy Clay Soil
Input Values:
specificGravity:2.65
moistureContent:16.0
bulkDensity:1.92
Worked Steps: With 16% moisture and 1.92 g/cm³ bulk density, dry density is 1.655 g/cm³, void ratio e = 0.601, porosity n = 37.5%, and saturation Sr = 70.5%.
Understanding Your Result
Void Ratio (e): Ratio of open pore space to solid skeleton.
Porosity (n): Pore volume as a percentage of total volume.
Degree of Saturation (Sr): Percentage of pore space filled with water.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Soil grain size gradation, compaction effort, and groundwater table height.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Earth dam construction, highway subgrade compaction, embankment settlement estimation, and retaining wall design.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes homogeneous soil phase representation and pure water density gamma_w = 1.0 g/cm³.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard ASTM D854 / D2216 analytical geotechnical formulation.