How is specific gravity defined in soil and aggregate testing?

Specific gravity in the context of soil and aggregate testing is defined as the ratio of the weight of a given volume of material to the weight of an equal volume of water. This definition is essential because it provides a standardized way to measure and compare the density of various materials.

When determining specific gravity, the measurement compares the density of the soil or aggregate directly to that of water, which is useful because water has a known density (1 g/cm³ at standard temperature and pressure). This facilitates various calculations relevant to engineering, such as evaluating the compactness of soils or the quality of aggregates used in construction.

This understanding helps engineers and technicians assess how much volume and weight of a material will fit within a specified space or load, critical for achieving structural integrity in construction projects. In summary, option C correctly captures the essence and mathematical relationship that defines specific gravity in this context.