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Relative Density of Sand

Mediumsoil propertiesrelative density
A sand has maximum void ratio 0.90, minimum void ratio 0.45, and an in-situ void ratio of 0.60. Its relative density is most nearly:
  1. A33%
  2. B50%
  3. C67%
  4. D75%
Show solution

Answer: C. 67%

Relative density compares the in-situ state to the loosest and densest achievable: Dr = (emax − e)/(emax − emin) = (0.90 − 0.60)/(0.90 − 0.45) = 0.30/0.45 ≈ 67%. Inverting the numerator to (e − emin) gives 33% and describes how far the sand is above its densest state rather than below its loosest.
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