Review Reports

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The study's focus on analyzing the mechanical behavior characteristics of the rock-coal-rock assemblage specimen under different pressures is commendable as it addresses an essential aspect of underground coal pillar stability.

The comparison of the established assemblage specimen with the conventional triaxial compression test adds depth to the research, and the findings contribute to a better understanding of the deformation and damage characteristics of the internal coal body.

The observation that the assemblage specimen transforms from brittle to ductile behavior with increasing peripheral pressure is an important finding, and it highlights the complex nature of rock-coal interactions under varying stress conditions.

The investigation into the changes in peak strength and modulus of elasticity with increasing peripheral pressure provides valuable insights into the material properties of the assemblage specimen, which can have implications for pillar design and stability assessments.

The analysis of residual strength and strength decay coefficient variations with peripheral pressure is relevant for assessing the long-term stability of coal pillars in underground mining scenarios.

The identification of the damage degree of coal pillars and columns at different peripheral pressures contributes to understanding failure mechanisms and can be vital for improving safety measures in coal mining operations.

The study's focus on mixed damage characteristics of tension-shear in coal columns adds novelty to the research and may have implications for practical mining applications.

The numerical fitting iteration to obtain a strength criterion applicable to the rock-coal-rock combination based on the Hoek-Brown criterion is an important contribution, as it provides a theoretical framework for stability control of small coal columns.

The experimental approach adopted in this study appears to be well-designed, and the findings are supported by the data presented.

The results presented in this paper provide valuable data and insights for further research and can aid in the development of more robust strategies for the stability control and support design of small coal pillars in mining operations.

Author Response

Dear reviewers:
Greetings! Thank you very much for your valuable comments! We have uploaded the relevant responses in the form of PDF files, please check the attachment. Thank you again for your patience in reviewing!
Best regards.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

 

I have meticulously evaluated the manuscript entitled: “Mechanical properties and strength characteristics of rock-coal-rock assemblages under different peripheral pressures”. First and foremost, allow me to express my appreciation for your contribution to the research and development in mechanical characterization of rock-coal-rock assemblages. The study is intriguing and holds substantial potential for both the academic and practical realms. The methodology employed, the design of the study, and the experiments conducted are commendable. Moreover, the writing is well-articulated, and the presentation of results is cogent. Nonetheless, I would like some suggestions and corrections to your notice:

1) The introduction is mostly based on coal-rock assemblage, however, studies (e.g., doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2013.11.005 and doi.org/10.12989/gae.2018.15.4.1017) are available discussing rock-coal-rock assemblage, cite these studies and transform introduction to mostly based on rock-coal-rock assemblage characteristics.

2) Clearly state that what makes your study unique in presence of other rock-coal-rock assemblage studies,

3) Importance of rock-coal-rock assemblage in terms practical applications should be discussed.

4) There are few English language mistakes, revise manuscript carefully.

5) Cite few more relevant references to support hypothesis and results.

There are few English language mistakes, revise manuscript carefully.

 

Author Response

Dear reviewer:

Greetings! Thank you very much for your valuable comments! We have uploaded the relevant responses in the form of PDF files, please see the attachment. Thank you again for your patience in reviewing!

Best regards.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

This paper investigates the mechanical performance of the rock-coal-rock assemblages in various condition. The research topic is interesting, and could be helpful for the further understanding of the field condition. Nevertheless, still some points need improving. The manuscript can be considered if the authors can well respond the comments as follow:

(1) More introduction about the field condition should be involved, as well as some more basic properties of the specimens should also be included so as to make the research more readable.

(2) For the experimental results, some basic theoretical knowledge should also be involved for the discussion.

(3) During the analysis process, some information about the microscale should be better involved such as the literatures as follow:

Spatial Distribution of Corrosion Products Influenced by the lnitial Defects and Corrosion-Induced Cracking of the Concrete；

Impact of defects in steel-concrete interface on the corrosion-induced cracking propagation of the reinforced concrete

(4) The expression should be more concise. For example, the conclusions are over tedious, some points are just repeated from the manuscript in the previous section.

Need improving.

Author Response

Dear reviewer:

Greetings. Thank you very much for your valuable comments. We have uploaded the relevant responses in the form of PDF files, please check the attachment. Thank you again for your patience in reviewing.

Best regards.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

The reviewer thinks it can be considered now.

Few improvement is still required from the authors.