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 such a parameter as the specific weight of a cubic meter of loam is impossible without the necessary information. However, the average value is fairly easy to estimate. The average weight of 1 m3 of loam usually ranges from 2580 to 2730 kg.
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
Can the density of loam be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for loam in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of loam differ from the table?
The actual weight of loam depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of loam from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of loam is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.