Site investigation · Laboratory: soil classification
Shrinkage limit & shrinkage ratio calculator
Shrinkage limit from wet and dry pat volume and mass, with shrinkage ratio and volumetric shrinkage.
Standard: ASTM D4943 (wax) · BS 1377-2
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Inputs in the worked example
The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.
| Input | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Wet pat mass | 34.6 | g |
| Oven-dry pat mass | 24.1 | g |
| Wet pat volume | 21.3 | cm³ |
| Dry pat volume | 14.2 | cm³ |
Worked example — results
| Result | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Initial moisture content | 43.57 | % |
| Shrinkage limit w − (Vw − Vd)ρw/Md | 14.11 | % |
| Shrinkage ratio Md/(Vd ρw) | 1.70 | |
| Volumetric shrinkage | 50.00 | % |
- ✓ Shrinkage limit below initial moisture
Method, formulas and assumptions
- Initial moisture content = 100*(34.6-24.1)/24.1 = 43.568 %
- Shrinkage limit w − (Vw − Vd)ρw/Md = 43.568-100*(21.3-14.2)/24.1 = 14.108 %
- Shrinkage ratio Md/(Vd ρw) = 24.1/14.2 = 1.6972
- Volumetric shrinkage = 100*(21.3-14.2)/14.2 = 50 %
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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.