How is the ratio of total mass over total volume in soil referred to?

The ratio of total mass over total volume in soil is known as soil density. It is a critical property that indicates how much mass is contained within a given volume of soil, reflecting both the weight of the solid particles and the pore spaces filled with air and water. Soil density plays a vital role in various geotechnical applications, influencing factors such as load-bearing capacity, stability, and the hydraulic properties of the soil.

Different types of soil, such as compacted soils or loose soils, will have distinct densities due to variations in particle arrangement and water content. Understanding soil density is crucial for engineers when designing foundations, retaining structures, and assessing earthwork properties.