Shrinkage limit of a clay whose void ratio in dry state is 0.55 and specific gravity 2.75 is
- A20%Correct
- B5%
- C5.5%
- D10%
Solution
Concept
Shrinkage limit from void ratio
Formula
ws = e / G (at the shrinkage limit the soil is saturated and its volume equals the dry volume)
Step-by-step solution
1. At the shrinkage limit the soil is still saturated (S = 1), so e = w G. 2. ws = e / G = 0.55 / 2.75 = 0.20 = 20%.
Explanation
The shrinkage limit is the water content at which further drying causes no more volume change while the soil is still saturated. Using e = wG with S = 100% gives ws = e/G = 20%.
Shortcut
ws = e/G (shrinkage limit, saturated at that stage).
Common mistake
Multiplying e by G instead of dividing.
Correct answer: A) 20%