A soil sample with specific gravity of solids 3 has a mass specific gravity of 2. Assuming the soil to be perfectly dry, determine the void ratio.

This question was previously asked in
SSC JE CE Previous Paper (Held on 23 Mar 2021 Evening)
View all SSC JE CE Papers >
  1. 1.0
  2. 1.5
  3. 0.5
  4. 0.8

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : 0.5
Free
Building Materials for All AE/JE Civil Exams Mock Test
15 K Users
20 Questions 20 Marks 20 Mins

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

Concept:

From a fundamental relationship, the density of soil is given by:

\({{\rm{\gamma }}_{{\rm{bulk}}}} = \frac{{\left( {{\rm{G}} + S × e} \right) × {\gamma _w}}}{{1 + e}} = \frac{{\left( {{\rm{G}} + w × G} \right) × {\gamma _w}}}{{1 + e}} = \frac{{\left( {1 + {\rm{w}}} \right) × G × {\gamma _w}}}{{1 + e}}\)

Where

\(\gamma\) = Density of soil, \(\gamma_w\) = Density of water, G = Specific gravity of soil, S = Degree of saturation, w = Water content, and e = void ratio

For the dry density of soil: Degree of saturation (S) = 0

The dry density of soil(\(\gamma_d\)) is given by

\({{\rm{\gamma }}_{\rm{d}}} = \frac{{\left( {\rm{G}} \right) × {\gamma _w}}}{{1 + e}}\)

Calculation:

Given data

The specific gravity of solids = 3

The mass-specific gravity = 2

The dry density of soil(\(\gamma_d\)) is given by

\({{\rm{\gamma }}_{\rm{d}}} = \frac{{\left( {\rm{G}} \right) × {\gamma _w}}}{{1 + e}}\)

\({\gamma_d \over \gamma_w} = {G \over 1+e}\)

\(G_m = {G \over 1+e}\)

Where Gm = Mass specific gravity

\(2 = \frac{{\left( {\rm{3}} \right)}}{{1 + e}}\)

\({{1 + e}} = 1.5\)

e = 0.5

The void ratio is 0.5.

Latest SSC JE CE Updates

Last updated on May 28, 2025

-> SSC JE notification 2025 for Civil Engineering will be released on June 30. 

-> Candidates can fill the SSC JE CE application from June 30 to July 21.

-> The selection process of the candidates for the SSC Junior Engineer post consists of Paper I, Paper II, Document Verification, and Medical Examination.

-> Candidates who will get selected will get a salary range between Rs. 35,400/- to Rs. 1,12,400/-.

-> Candidates must refer to the SSC JE Previous Year Papers and SSC JE Civil Mock Test, SSC JE Electrical Mock Test, and SSC JE Mechanical Mock Test to understand the type of questions coming in the examination.

-> The Staff Selection Commission conducts the SSC JE exam to recruit Junior Engineers in different disciplines under various departments of the Central Government.

Get Free Access Now
Hot Links: teen patti flush teen patti club teen patti customer care number teen patti real teen patti palace