Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Relative density is a meaningful parameter for all types of soils.
2. Relative density is a meaningful parameter only for cohesionless soils.
3. Relative density is a better indicator of the denseness of an in-situ granular soil deposit than the void ratio.

Which of these statements are correct?

• A. 1, 2 and3
• B. 1 and 2 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1 and 3 only

Answer 1

The correct option is C 2 and 3 only

(c*)
The term relative density is used to express the relative compactness of a natural cohesionless soil deposit. Relative density is the ratio of the difference between the voids ratio of soil in its loosest state, $e_{max}$ and its natural state, e to the difference between the void ratio in the loosest and densest states.

$I_D=\frac{e_{max}-e}{e_{max}-e_{min}}$

This term is used for cohesionless soils only. This term is not applicable to cohesive soil because of uncertainities in the laboratory determination of the voids ratio in the loosest state of the soil ($e_{max}$).
Note: In point no. 2 soil mentioned should be cohesionless.