ANSWER TO QUESTIONS

1. Define specific gravity of soil?

- Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference

substance. Specific gravity of a soil refers to the mass of a solid matter of a given soil

as compared to an equal volume of water.

2. What are typical values of the specific gravity of soils?

- The usual values of specific gravity of soil ranges from 2.6 to 2.7.

3. What can you use to measure the specific gravity of material lighter than water?

- There are different ways to measure specific gravity of a material that is lighter than

water. We can use a hydrometer, Westephal Method using a balance and the Buoyancy

Method.

4. Why do we use vacuum while determining the specific gravity of soils?

- Because it is used to remove the entrapped air inside the pycnometer with soil.

5. What is the effect of water temperature on the determination of the specific gravity of a

soil?

- When looking at equation 1, GT is required to get the specific gravity of soil. GT is

determined by looking at Table 1 in the handouts. As per observation, while the water

temperature increases, the specific gravity of water decreases. As the temperature

increases, the specific gravity of water decreases. Therefore, as the water temperature

decreases, the specific gravity of the soil increases.

6. Why would a contractor be interested in knowing the specific gravity of a soil?

- So that they can desire a structure or a building and its foundation based on the specific

gravity of the soil present in that area.