2.6. Buoyant Unit Weight

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define buoyant unit weight in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about how water affects weight.

2. 2.

   What is the formula for determining buoyant unit weight?

   Hint

   Review the terms involved in defining unit weight.

3. 3.

   What is buoyant unit weight?

   • Weight in air
   • Effective weight in water
   • None of the above

   Hint

   Think about how weight changes when submerged.

4. 4.

   True or False: The buoyant unit weight is always less than the dry unit weight.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the effects of water on weight.

5. 5.

   A soil sample weighs 15 kN/m³ in air and 12 kN/m³ in water. Explain how you would determine the buoyant weight and discuss the implications for construction.

   Hint

   Use the principle of buoyancy.

6. 6.

   A construction site has varying saturation levels due to rainfall. Discuss how this might influence the design of a retaining wall.

   Hint

   Consider how weight and pressure interact under saturated conditions.