The void ratio is the ratio of the volume of voids (open spaces, i.e. air and water) in a soil to volume of solids. $$e = \frac{V_v}{V_s}\newline\newline =\frac{V_g + V_w}{V_s}$$ Where: e = Void Ratio Vv = Volume of voids (m3 or ft3) Vs = Volume of solids (m3 or ft3) Vg = Volume of air (m3 or ft3) Vw = Volume of water (m3 or ft3) The void ratio is thus a … [Read more...]
A pocket penetrometer is a fantastic little invention which geotechnical engineers and technologists find very handy. It is a small handheld gauge which contains a telescoping rod which can be pushed into the soil. The distance the rod goes into the soil corresponds to a compressive strength on the dial. Measurement of Soil The pocket penetrometer measures the … [Read more...]
The Standard Penetration Test is an in-situ test that is useful in site exploration and foundation design. It produces an N-value, which represents the number of blows of a standardized sampler driven into the soil a standardized distance. How the Test Works The sampler is 51 mm O.D. (outside diameter) and it is driven into the soil with a 63.5 kg weight having a … [Read more...]
