GATE 2020 CE (CE2) – Question 32
Soil dry unit weight is 15.5 kN/m³, specific gravity 2.65 and degree of saturation 72%. With water unit weight 10 kN/m³, find water content (%), to two decimals.
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Correct answer: 19 to 19.5
Explanation
Void ratio is $e=G_s\gamma_w/\gamma_d-1=26.5/15.5-1=0.709677$. From $wG_s=S_re$, $w=0.72(0.709677)/2.65=0.192818$. Hence **19.28%**.