Void Ratio
Void Ratio
Void ratio — voids divided by solids — is the geotechnical measure of how loose or dense a soil is, central to settlement.
The void ratio is e = V_v/V_s. where V_v is the void volume and V_s the solid volume.
Inputs
V_v := 0.35 m^3=0.35 m^3
V_s := 0.65 m^3=0.65 m^3
Divide void volume by solid volume.
e := V_v/V_s=0.54
Results
Unlike porosity, the denominator (solids) is fixed as a soil compresses, which makes void ratio the natural variable for consolidation.
Assumptions & limitations
- Representative sample.
- Solids volume constant under load.
- Relates to porosity by e = n/(1−n).