The Void Ratio [Total Volume] calculator computes void ratio based on the volume of the voids and the total volume.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (Vv) Volume of Voids
- (TV) Total Volume
Void Ratio (VR): The void ratio is returned as a real number and as a percent.
The Math / Science
The Void Ratio [Total Volume] equation computes the void ratio of a sample medium. The void represents the relative amount of space occupied by the "voids" in a volume of material, where the voids can be a combination of liquids or gases, and the relative amount of space occupied by the solid material.
This void ratio is a measure of how compact the material is. A volume of large rocks will obviously have a great deal of space between them and thus have a large void ratio compared to fine particulate of a volume of a clay soil, which would have very limited amounts of voids relative to the solid matter.
The inputs to this equation are the total sample volume, `V_"Total"`, and the volume observed to be occupied by voids `V_V`.
Notes
In engineering application the void ratio is used to indicate a tendency of a material to expand or contract. A high void ratio is likely to be seen in loose soils which then will contract under pressure or added loads. A low void ratio represents a material that is dense. This void ratio reflects the affect of how fluids will flow through a medium or how particulates can move through the medium.