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Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE) PDF Download

Phase Relations of Soils

Soil is not a coherent solid material like steel and concrete, but is a particulate material. Soils, as they exist in nature, consist of solid particles (mineral grains, rock fragments) with water and air in the voids between the particles. The water and air contents are readily changed by changes in ambient conditions and location.

As the relative proportions of the three phases vary in any soil deposit, it is useful to consider a soil model which will represent these phases distinctly and properly quantify the amount of each phase. A schematic diagram of the three-phase system is shown in terms of weight and volume symbols respectively for soil solids, water, and air. The weight of air can be neglected.

 

Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

 

The soil model is given dimensional values for the solid, water and air components.

Total volume, V = Vs + Vw + Vv

 

Three-phase System

Soils can be partially saturated (with both air and water present), or be fully saturated (no air content) or be perfectly dry (no water content). 

In a saturated soil or a dry soil, the three-phase system thus reduces to two phases only, as shown.

 

Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

For the purpose of engineering analysis and design, it is necessary to express relations between the weights and the volumes of the three phases.

The various relations can be grouped into:

  • Volume relations
  • Weight relations
  • Inter-relations

 

Volume Relations

As the amounts of both water and air are variable, the volume of solids is taken as the reference quantity. Thus, several relational volumetric quantities may be defined. The following are the basic volume relations:

1. Void ratio (e) is the ratio of the volume of voids (Vv) to the volume of soil solids (Vs), and is expressed as a decimal.

Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

2. Porosity (n) is the ratio of the volume of voids to the total volume of soil (V ), and is expressed as a percentage. 

 Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

Void ratio and porosity are inter-related to each other as follows: 

Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

3. The volume of water (Vw) in a soil can vary between zero (i.e. a dry soil) and the volume of voids. This can be expressed as the degree of saturation (S) in percentage. 

Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

4. Air content (ac) is the ratio of the volume of air (Va) to the volume of voids. 

Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

5. Percentage air voids (nais the ratio of the volume of air to the total volume.

Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

The document Phase Relations of Soils | Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE) is a part of the Civil Engineering (CE) Course Soil Mechanics.
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FAQs on Phase Relations of Soils - Soil Mechanics - Civil Engineering (CE)

1. What are the different phases of soils in civil engineering?
Ans. In civil engineering, soils are classified into three phases: solid, liquid, and gas. The solid phase refers to the soil particles, such as sand, silt, and clay. The liquid phase is the water present in the soil pores, and the gas phase consists of air or other gases trapped within the soil.
2. How do the different phases of soils affect their properties?
Ans. The different phases of soils greatly influence their properties. The solid phase determines the soil's strength and load-bearing capacity, while the liquid phase affects the soil's permeability and ability to retain water. The gas phase can affect soil compaction and its ability to support structures.
3. What is the significance of phase relations in civil engineering?
Ans. Phase relations in civil engineering are essential as they help engineers understand the behavior and characteristics of soils. By determining the amount of solid, liquid, and gas phases in a given soil sample, engineers can predict its compressibility, shear strength, and response to applied loads. This information is crucial in designing safe and stable structures.
4. How are phase relations determined in civil engineering?
Ans. Phase relations are determined through laboratory tests, such as the soil moisture content test and the soil density test. These tests involve measuring the amount of water and air present in the soil sample at various moisture levels and densities. The data obtained from these tests are used to calculate the void ratio, porosity, and degree of saturation, which are all indicators of the phase relations.
5. What are the practical applications of phase relations in civil engineering?
Ans. Phase relations have several practical applications in civil engineering. They are used in slope stability analysis to assess the risk of landslides, in foundation design to determine the soil's bearing capacity, and in groundwater flow calculations to understand the movement of water through soil layers. Additionally, phase relations are crucial for soil improvement techniques, such as compaction and consolidation, as they help engineers optimize the treatment process for better soil performance.
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