Sättigungswasser

Sättigungswasser refers to water that is present in a porous material when all available pore spaces are completely filled with water. In essence, it is the maximum amount of water that a substance can hold under given conditions. This concept is particularly relevant in soil science, hydrogeology, and material science.

When a material is saturated, any additional water introduced will not be absorbed by the material itself but will likely flow through it or remain on its surface. The amount of water a material can hold before becoming saturated is known as its porosity. The degree of saturation is often expressed as a percentage, representing the ratio of the volume of water in the pores to the total pore volume.

In soils, saturated conditions are important for understanding groundwater recharge, water table levels, and the transport of dissolved substances. Saturated soils can also lead to reduced structural stability and increased susceptibility to erosion. In construction and engineering, understanding the saturation point of materials like concrete or wood is crucial for predicting their performance and durability under various environmental exposures. Sättigungswasser plays a key role in processes such as waterlogging and the movement of contaminants in the subsurface.