Unit Weights and Densities of Soil

Symbols and Notations
γ, γm = Unit weight, bulk unit weight, moist unit weight
γd = Dry unit weight
γsat = Saturated unit weight
γb, γ' = Buoyant unit weight or effective unit weight
γs = Unit weight of solids
γw = Unit weight of water (equal to 9810 N/m3)
W = Total weight of soil
Ws = Weight of solid particles
Ww = Weight of water
V = Volume of soil
Vs = Volume of solid particles
Vv = Volume of voids
Vw = Volume of water
S = Degree of saturation
w = Water content or moisture content
G = Specific gravity of solid particles
 

Properties of common materials

Material Unit weight
(kN/m3)		 Density
(kg/m3)		 Specific
Gravity
Aluminum 26.095 2660 2.66
Brass 81.423 8300 8.3
Brick 19.62 2000 2.0
Cast iron 70.632 7200 7.2
Concrete 23.544 2400 2.4
Copper 87.407 8910 8.91
Earth (dry) 12.557 1280 1.28
Earth (wet) 17.266 1760 1.76
Glass 25.408 2590 2.59
Ice 8.829 900 0.9
Lead 111.540 11,370 11.37
Mercury 133.416 13,600 13.6
Oil 8.829 900 0.9
Water (fresh) 9.81 1000 1.0
Water (sea) 10.104 1030 1.03
Wood (hard) 7.848 800 0.8
Wood (soft) 4.709 480 0.48