Problem $4$

General Remarks

This example problem illustrates the manner in which the quantities used to describe the

phase relations are computed; it involves both densities and unit weights.

Problem Statement

A sample of gray silty clay has a mass of $126$ kg $.$ Laboratory tests results give a moist

density $({}_m)$ of $2\mathrm{.}05\frac{g}{c}{m}^3,$ a specific gravity of solids $(G_s)$ of $2\mathrm{.}71$ and a moisture content

$(w)$ of $15\mathrm{.}7\%.$

First determine all entries in the phase diagram. Represent the right side of the diagram

in terms of masses $($in units of kilograms$)$ and not weights. The volumes listed on the

left side of the diagram should be in units of $c{m}^3.$

Then determine the void ratio $(e),$ the porosity $(n),$ the degree of saturation $(S),$ the

dry density $({}_d),$ the dry unit weight $({}_d),$ and the moist unit weight $({}_m).$