degree of saturation for organic soils

[JS2011]

We have run consolidation test on organic soils and degree of saturation came out high on the order of 400%.

I assume that this is because of organics burnt during drying in the oven.

Can anybody confirm this with similar finding?

 

[Ron]

Depends on the organic content and the character of the organic material. Not out of the question.

 

[fattdad]

The degree of saturation cannot exceed 100 percent. The moisture content can, however. A moisture content of 400 percent for peat or true organic soil is not uncommon. Bear in mind it's weight percent, so the specific gravity of organic matter is much less than soil grains. Still though for every 100 grams of organic solids there are 400 grams of water!

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[AussieGeoEng]

In working out the moisture content of the sample was the temperature of the oven reduced for the organic sample? i.e. did the high temperature of the over burn off some of the material?