Specific and Bulk Weight of Loam, 1 m³ Weight Table
In construction work related to building foundations in places with many underground water flows, loam is an important material. This type of soil is valued for its ability to absorb and retain water. Even when completely dry, this soil can retain moisture, which turns into ice crystals when frozen.
Loam also has high porosity, which gives it the ability to expand and increase the soil volume. Therefore, before starting construction, it is important to determine the weight of loam at least approximately.
For correct calculations, it is necessary to understand what specific weight means. The specific weight of loam is the ratio of the weight of solid particles to the volume they occupy. Since loam has high porosity, the main factor affecting the specific weight of this material is its composition.
Table of Bulk Weight of 1 m³ of Loam
From the above, it follows that a correct and accurate calculation of the bulk weight of a cubic meter of loam is impossible without the necessary information. It is important not to confuse the density of mineral soil particles, which can be close to 2580-2730 kg/m³, with the bulk weight of soil that includes pores, air and moisture. For practical calculations, the values in the table below are usually used.
For most construction work, this parameter is sufficient. However, sometimes a more accurate calculation is required. For this purpose, the table of loam specific weight is provided below:
| Loam composition | Bulk weight of loam | Loose bulk density | Kilograms per cubic meter |
| Plastic, soft, without impurities | 1.70 | 1.5-1.6 | 1700 |
| Plastic, soft, with crushed stone, construction waste (up to 10%) and pebble impurities, as well as stiff plastic without impurities | 1.70 | 1.5-1.6 | 1700 |
| Plastic, soft, with crushed stone, construction waste (over 10%) and pebble impurities, as well as stiff plastic with impurities up to 10%, semi-hard and hard without impurities and with impurities up to 10% | 1.75 | 1.5-1.6 | 1750 |
| Hard and semi-hard with crushed stone, construction waste (over 10%), pebble and gravel impurities | 1.95 | 1.5-1.6 | 1950 |
| Ordinary with porosity 0.5 | 1.80-2.05 | 1.5-1.6 | 1800-2050 |
| Ordinary with porosity 0.7 | 1.75-1.95 | 1.5-1.6 | 1750-1950 |
| Ordinary with porosity 1.0 | 1.70-1.80 | 1.5-1.6 | 1700-1800 |
| Ordinary loose | 1.40-1.70 | 1.5-1.6 | 1400-1700 |
| Ordinary medium | 1.50-1.60 | 1.5-1.6 | 1500-1600 |
| Ordinary dense | 1.60-1.90 | 1.5-1.6 | 1600-1900 |
| Ordinary heavy | 1.90-2.00 | 1.5-1.6 | 1900-2000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 1 m³ of loam weigh?
According to the table, 1 m³ of loam is usually around 1400-2050 kg depending on porosity, moisture, compaction and impurities. Denser or wetter loam will weigh more than loose loam.
How is loam bulk weight different from soil particle density?
Particle density describes only the solid mineral part of the soil and can be close to 2580-2730 kg/m³. Bulk weight includes the whole soil volume with pores, air and water, so it is usually lower.
Why is loam important in foundation calculations?
Loam can retain water and change volume during wetting, drying and freezing. For foundations, it is important to account not only for soil weight but also moisture, frost heave potential and actual geotechnical site conditions.