Void ratio, in materials science, is defined as the volume of voids in a mixture divided by the volume of solids. This figure is relevant in composites, in mining (particular with regard to the properties of tailings), and in soil science. In geotechnics the void ratio is represented by the symbol e.
Engineering applications
Volume change tendency control. If void ratio is high (loose soils) voids in a soil skeleton tend to minimize under loading - adjacent particles contract. The opposite situation, i.e. when void ratio is relatively small (dense soils), indicates that the volume of the soil is vulnerable to increase under loading - particles dilate.
Hydraulic conductivity control (ability of water movement through the soil). Loose soils show high conductivity, while dense soils are not so permeable.
Particles movement. In a loose soil particles can move quite easily, whereas in a dense one finer particles cannot pass through the voids, which leads to clogging.
