What is the typical porosity range for clay soils?

The typical porosity range for clay soils is generally understood to fall within the 25-40% range. This percentage indicates how much of the soil's volume consists of void spaces that can be filled with air or water. Clay soils, characterized by their fine particles and compact structure, naturally have a higher porosity than denser soils but lower than more granular types like sandy soils. In practical applications, knowing the porosity of clay is essential for understanding water retention and drainage properties, which are vital for designing effective on-site sewage facilities.

Choosing a porosity range beyond 40% would not accurately reflect the dense and cohesive nature of clay, which tends to limit the volume of void space compared to more permeable soils. Hence, acknowledging the actual porosity range helps in assessing soil behavior in various construction and environmental contexts accurately.