 One cubic meter of wet soil weights 20 kN. 
Its dry weight is 18 kN.
 Determine the water content of the soil sample

To determine the water content of the soil sample, we can use the following formula:

\[ w = \frac{W_w}{W_s} \times 100 \]

where:
- \( w \) is the water content (expressed as a percentage),
- \( W_w \) is the weight of water in the soil,
- \( W_s \) is the weight of the dry soil.

Given:
- The weight of the wet soil (\( W_{\text{wet}} \)) is 20 kN.
- The weight of the dry soil (\( W_s \)) is 18 kN.

First, we find the weight of the water in the soil:

\[ W_w = W_{\text{wet}} - W_s \]
\[ W_w = 20 \text{ kN} - 18 \text{ kN} \]
\[ W_w = 2 \text{ kN} \]

Now we can calculate the water content:

\[ w = \frac{W_w}{W_s} \times 100 \]
\[ w = \frac{2 \text{ kN}}{18 \text{ kN}} \times 100 \]
\[ w = \frac{2}{18} \times 100 \]
\[ w = \frac{1}{9} \times 100 \]
\[ w \approx 11.11\% \]

So, the water content of the soil sample is approximately \( 11.11\% \).

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to expand your understanding:

1. How does the water content affect the properties of soil?
2. What is the significance of knowing the water content in geotechnical engineering?
3. How can the water content of soil be measured in the field?
4. What are the typical water content values for different types of soil?
5. How does water content impact soil compaction?
6. Can the water content affect the shear strength of soil?
7. What is the difference between water content and moisture content in soil terminology?
8. How does temperature influence the water content of soil?

**Tip:** When calculating the water content of soil, always ensure that the weights are measured accurately to avoid errors in the final result.

Learn how to calculate the water content of soil using the weight of wet and dry soil samples. This problem involves using the percentage formula to determine the water content percentage accurately. Suitable for advanced high school students and professionals in geotechnical engineering.

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