For a fully saturated soil sample, the volume of voids is equal to ___...
In a fully saturated sample, the volume of voids gets completely filled by water leaving no air voids present in the sample. Hence, volume of voids equals the volume of water.
For a fully saturated soil sample, the volume of voids is equal to ___...
Introduction:
In soil mechanics, the concept of voids refers to the spaces or gaps between soil particles. When a soil sample is fully saturated, it means that all the voids are filled with water, leaving no air voids. The volume of voids is an important parameter in determining the behavior and properties of soils.
Explanation:
When a soil sample is fully saturated, the voids are completely filled with water. This means that there is no air present in the void spaces. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B', which states that the volume of voids is equal to the volume of water.
Reasoning:
Here's why the volume of voids is equal to the volume of water in a fully saturated soil sample:
1. Fully saturated soil:
- When a soil sample is fully saturated, it means that all the voids between the soil particles are filled with water. This is because the soil pores are interconnected, allowing water to flow and occupy all the available void spaces.
- Fully saturated soils are commonly found in areas with high groundwater levels or in soil layers below the water table.
2. Void ratio:
- The void ratio (e) is a fundamental parameter used to quantify the volume of voids in a soil sample.
- It is defined as the ratio of the volume of voids (Vv) to the volume of solids (Vs) in the soil sample.
- Mathematically, e = Vv / Vs.
3. Fully saturated soil and void ratio:
- In a fully saturated soil sample, the void ratio is equal to zero because there are no air voids present.
- Since the volume of voids (Vv) is equal to zero, it implies that the volume of water (Vw) is equal to the volume of voids.
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B', which states that the volume of voids is equal to the volume of water.
Conclusion:
In a fully saturated soil sample, all the voids are filled with water, and there are no air voids present. Therefore, the volume of voids is equal to the volume of water. This understanding is based on the concept of the void ratio, which quantifies the ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of solids in the soil sample.