INTRODUCTION

The specific gravity of a substance, designated as Gs, is defined as the ratio of the
density of that substance to the density of distilled water at a specified temperature.
Since it is a ratio, the value of Gs does not depend on the system of units used and is a
numerical value having no units. In soil mechanics, the specific gravity of soil solids
is an important a factor in many equations involving weight-volume relationships.
Remember that the specific gravity of soil solids refers only to the solid phase of the
three phase soil system, it does not include the water and air phases present in the void
space. For soil solids, Gs may be written as (ME 420L/ME 506L: Soil Mechanics
Laboratory):

𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦) 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦

𝐺𝑠 =
𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦) 𝑜𝑟 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
Or
𝑊𝑠 /𝑉𝑠 𝑊𝑠
𝐺𝒔 = =
𝜌2 𝑉𝑠 𝜌𝑤

Where, W = mass of soil solids (g).

V = volume of soil solids (cm3).
Pw = density of water (glcm3).

The procedure for determination of specific gravity, G" described here is applicable
for soils composed of particles smaller than 4.75 mm (No.4 U.S. sieve) in size.

APPARATUS
1) Volumetric flask (500 ml)
2) Thermometer graduated in 0.5 ̊ C division scale
3) Balance sensitive up to 0.01 g
4) Distilled water
5) Bunsen bummer and a stand (and/or vacuum pump or aspirator)
6) Evaporating dishes
7) Spatula
8) Plastic squeeze bottle
9) Drying oven

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
1. Determine and record the weight of the empty clean and dry flask, W1.
 2. Place 10g of a dry soil sample (passed through the sieve No. 10) in the flask.
Determine and record the weight of the flask containing the dry soil, W2.
3. Add distilled water to fill about half to three-fourth of the flask. Soak the
sample for 10 minutes. Apply a partial vacuum to the contents for 10 minutes,
to remove the entrapped air.
4. Fill the flask with distilled water to the mark; clean the exterior surface of the
flask with a clean, dry cloth.
5. Determine the weight of the flask and contents, W3.
6. Empty the flask and clean it. Then fill it with distilled water only to the mark.
Clean the exterior surface of the flask with a clean, dry cloth.
7. Determine the weight of the flask and distilled water, W4.

Where, W1 = Weight of the empty flask

W2 = Weight of the flask containing the dry soil
W3 = Weight of flask filled with water and soil
W4 = Weight of flask filled with water