The elastic framework properties of sediments relate to porosity. Porosity relates to the state of consolidation of sediments. The full range of quasi-static, elastic moduli vs porosity behavior can be incorporated into Gassmann's [1951> equations. I review the Atterberg [1911> limits to establish a basis for discussing the precompaction porosity, ϕ0, which corresponds approximately to the Atterberg plastic limit. This porosity is about 0.36--0.40 for sands and sandstones. The ratio of the dry-frame moduli to the effective mineral moduli is (1-ϕ/ϕ0). I incorporate this ratio into Gassmann's equations, which operate from 0≤ϕ≤ϕ0, when sediments have a solid elastic frame. For ϕ>ϕ0, when sediments no longer have a solid elastic frame, Gassmann's equations reduce to Reuss' [1929> isostress average for the solid-fluid mixture. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1993