Chapter 3, Problem 3.1QPP

Explain the difference between moisture content and degree of saturation.

To determine

The difference between moisture content and degree of saturation.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The moisture content is the ratio of the weight of water present in the soil sample to the weight of the dry soil sample whereas the degree of saturation is the ratio of the volume of water present in the soil sample to the volume of the void present in the soil sample.

Moisture content: The ratio of the weight of water present in the soil sample to the weight of the dry soil sample. Generally, the moisture content is expressed in terms of percentages, so the moisture content formula is given as,

  $w=\frac{W_{\text{w}}}{W_{\text{ds}}}\times 100\%$

Here, $w$ is the moisture content of the soil sample, $W_{\text{w}}$ is the weight of the water present in the soil sample and $W_{\text{ds}}$ is the weight of the dry soil sample.

Degree of saturation: The ratio expressed as the volume of water present in the soil sample to the volume of the void present in the soil sample. Generally, the degree of saturation is expressed in terms of percentages, so the degree of saturation formula is given as,

  $S=\frac{V_{\text{w}}}{V_{\text{v}}}\times 100\%$

Here, $S$ is the degree of saturation of the soil sample, $V_{\text{w}}$ is the volume of water present in the soil sample and $V_{\text{v}}$ is the volume of void present in the soil sample.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the difference between moisture content and degree of saturation is that the moisture content is the ratio of the weight of water present in the soil sample to the weight of the dry soil sample. The degree of saturation is expressed as the ratio of the volume of water present in the soil sample to the volume of the void present in the soil sample.