Voids ratio of a soil mass can A. never be greater than unity B. be zero C. take any value greater than zero D. take values between 0 and 1 only

never be greater than unity
be zero
take any value greater than zero
take values between 0 and 1 only

The correct answer is: D. take values between 0 and 1 only.

The voids ratio is the ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of solids in a soil mass. It is a dimensionless quantity and is denoted by the symbol e. The voids ratio can be calculated using the following equation:

e = Vv/Vs

where:

  • e = voids ratio
  • Vv = volume of voids
  • Vs = volume of solids

The voids ratio of a soil mass can never be greater than unity because the volume of voids cannot be greater than the volume of solids. The voids ratio can be zero if there are no voids in the soil mass. The voids ratio can take any value greater than zero if there are voids in the soil mass.

The voids ratio is an important parameter in soil mechanics because it affects the engineering properties of soil. For example, the voids ratio affects the compressibility, permeability, and shear strength of soil.