The equation, w = (Ww / Ws) x 100, used in conjunction with the oven-dry method, determines which soil characteristic?

Maximize your readiness for the CDC 3E551 Engineering Journeyman Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Start your journey to success today!

Multiple Choice

The equation, w = (Ww / Ws) x 100, used in conjunction with the oven-dry method, determines which soil characteristic?

Moisture content is what this equation determines. In the oven-dry method you dry the soil sample until it reaches a constant mass, then compare the mass of water lost to the mass of dry soil remaining. The weight of water is Ww, and the dry soil mass is Ws. The ratio Ww/Ws, multiplied by 100, gives the moisture content as a percent by weight. This method directly measures how wet the soil is. Gradation deals with particle sizes, not water content. The liquid limit and plasticity index are Atterberg limits describing soil behavior at certain moisture levels, which involve different tests. So the equation given is specifically for moisture content.

Moisture content is what this equation determines. In the oven-dry method you dry the soil sample until it reaches a constant mass, then compare the mass of water lost to the mass of dry soil remaining. The weight of water is Ww, and the dry soil mass is Ws. The ratio Ww/Ws, multiplied by 100, gives the moisture content as a percent by weight. This method directly measures how wet the soil is.

Gradation deals with particle sizes, not water content. The liquid limit and plasticity index are Atterberg limits describing soil behavior at certain moisture levels, which involve different tests. So the equation given is specifically for moisture content.

More practice questions