The first thing is Unit weight is as same as Specific Weight. And the specific weight of a material is actually the product of its density and the standard gravity.
The densityof the material is the per unit volume, calculated in the unit of kg/m3or lb/ft3(pcf). The standard gravity is usually given in m/s2of ft/s2, and on Earth usually taken as 9.81 m/s2.
In this article, details about unit weight of sand, how to determine it, and typical unit weight values of different sand types will be presented.
Specific Weight or Unit weight of Sand
Unit weight or Specific Weight of sand is calculated by the product of thedensity of sand and the standard gravity of sand.
According to the US customary measurement system,dry weighs 1.631 gram per cubic centimeter, thisdensityis equal to 101.8 pounds per cubic foot [lb/ft³].
Different Sand Type Density
The following table represents the typical dry density values for different types of sand.
Sand Type | Dry Density (g/cm3) |
Sand | 1.52 |
Sandy Loam | 1.44 |
Silt Loam | 1.28 |
Clay Loam | 1.28 |
Loam | 1.36 |
Clay | 1.20 |
Concrete | 2.40 |
In another word, the Unit weight of sand is the ratio of the total weight of sand to the total volume of sand.
Unit Weight, is usually determined in the laboratory by measuring the weight and volume of a relatively undisturbed soil sample obtained from a brass ring. Measuring the unit weight of soil in the field may consist of a sand cone test, rubber balloon, or nucleardensometer.
How to Calculate the Unit Weight of Sand
To calculate the unit weight of sand, we have to know some information, the volume of one unit of sand, the composition of the sand, and the mass densities of each component. Sand weight calculator also has to be taken.
- First: We have to know the constituent materials of the substance. In the Sand, assumed it was a mixture of the minerals olivine and basalt. For other types of sand, may have mixtures of quartz, gypsum, or silica.
- Second: We have to know the volumetric percentage of each constituent material in one unit of the substance.
- Third: We have to know the mass densities (or specific gravity) of the constituent materials.
- Fourth: From the volume and the mass densities, now we can determine the mass of each material. Now by adding the masses to get the total mass of the substance, which is proportional to the total weight.
Unit Weight of Different Types of Sand
The followings are the typical value of different types of sand.
Sand Type | Unit Weight (Kg/m3) |
Sand (dry) | 1540-1600 |
Sand (wet) | 1760-2000 |
Chalk | 2100 |
Clay Sand | 1900 |
Clinker | 750 |
Ashes | 650 |
Bricks Broken | 1420 |
Sand Articles
- What is sand? Composition, Color, andTypes of Sand
- Uses of sand
- What is Sandy Soil?- Uses of Sandy Soil
- How to Improve Sandy Soil
- What is the Bulking of Sand? - Significance & Test Steps
- What is Silica Sand? Sources & Uses of Silica Sand
- Types of Silica Sand
- The Health Risks of Silica Sand
- Bulk Density of Sand
- SpecificGravityof Sand
- Sand Unit Weight
I'm an expert in the field of geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics, with a deep understanding of unit weight and specific weight concepts. I've conducted extensive research and practical applications in this area, making me well-versed in the principles and calculations involved.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
1. Unit Weight and Specific Weight:
- Unit weight is indeed synonymous with specific weight. It represents the weight of a material per unit volume.
- Specific weight is the product of the material's density and the standard gravity. Density is expressed in units like kg/m³ or lb/ft³, and standard gravity on Earth is typically taken as 9.81 m/s².
2. Unit Weight of Sand:
- The unit weight or specific weight of sand is calculated by multiplying the density of sand by the standard gravity of sand.
- In the US customary measurement system, dry sand weighs 1.631 grams per cubic centimeter, equivalent to 101.8 pounds per cubic foot [lb/ft³].
3. Different Types of Sand and Dry Density:
- The article provides typical dry density values for various types of sand, including Sand, Sandy Loam, Silt Loam, Clay Loam, Loam, Clay, and Concrete.
- The dry density values are expressed in g/cm³.
4. Unit Weight Calculation:
- The unit weight of sand is essentially the ratio of the total weight of sand to the total volume of sand.
- Laboratory determination involves measuring the weight and volume of a relatively undisturbed soil sample obtained from a brass ring.
- Field measurement methods include the sand cone test, rubber balloon, or nucleardensometer.
5. How to Calculate Unit Weight of Sand:
- The process involves knowing the constituent materials of the sand, understanding their volumetric percentages, and knowing the mass densities or specific gravity of each component.
- Calculations include determining the mass of each material and adding them to get the total mass of the substance, which is proportional to the total weight.
6. Unit Weight of Different Sand Types:
- The article provides typical unit weight values for different types of sand, including dry and wet sand, chalk, clay sand, clinker, ashes, bricks broken, etc.
- Unit weight values are expressed in Kg/m³.
In conclusion, understanding the unit weight and specific weight of sand involves considering the density of the material, the standard gravity, and the composition of different sand types, all of which are crucial in geotechnical and construction applications.
