How to Calculate and Solve for Porosity | Soil Mechanics and Foundation

The image above represents porosity. To calculate porosity, two essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Volume of void (V_v) and Volume of the soil (V).

The formula for calculating porosity:

n = ^V_v / _V

Where:

n = Porosity
V_v = Volume of Void
V = Volume of the Soil

Let’s solve an example;
Find the porosity when the volume of void is 12 and the volume of the soil is 14.

This implies that;

V_v = Volume of Void = 12
V = Volume of the Soil = 14

That is, n = ^V_v / _V
n = ¹² / ₁₄
n = 0.85

Therefore, the porosity is 0.85.

Calculating the Volume of Void when the Porosity and the Volume of the Soil are Given

V_v = n x V

Where;

V_v = Volume of Void
n = Porosity
V = Volume of the Soil

Let’s solve an example;
Find the volume of void when the porosity is 21 and the volume of the soil is 7.

This implies that;

n = Porosity = 21
V = Volume of the Soil = 7

Then, V_v = n x V
V_v = 21 x 7
V_v = 147

Therefore, the volume of the void is 147.

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Air Content of the Soil | Soil Mechanics and Foundation

Calculating the Volume of the Soil when the Porosity and the Volume of the Void are Given

V = ^V_v / _n

Where;

V = Volume of the Soil
n = Porosity
V_v = Volume of Void

Let’s solve an example;
Find the volume of the soil when the porosity is 4 and the volume of void is 36.

This implies that;

n = Porosity = 4
V_v = Volume of Void = 36

V = ^V_v / _n
That is, V = ³⁶ / ₄
V = 9

Therefore, the volume of the soil is 9.

How to Calculate Porosity in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Using Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the porosity.

To get the answer and workings of the porosity using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 2,000 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Agricultural under Engineering.

Now, Click on Soil Mechanics and Foundation under Agricultural

Now, Click on Porosity under Soil Mechanics and Foundation

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the porosity according to the respective parameters which is the Volume of void (V_v) and Volume of the soil (V).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Volume of void (V_v)  is 12 and Volume of the soil (V) is 14.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the porosity and presents the formula, workings and steps too.