Quantitative Identification of Cracks in Jointed Layered Rock Specimens under Uniaxial Compression

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Reviewer 1:

 

Comments:

 

1. The Table 2 is too redundant and tedious and should be represented by a figure.

 

We appreciate the reviewer's attention and modify the table 2 into a figure.

 

2. The equation (5) should be revised. The expression ‘symmetric’ is not appropriate

here.

 

Since formula (5) is quoted in reference [13], it is inconvenient to modify.

 

3. In section 4, author should explain how to characterize the crack propagation using

the defined stress dispersion.

 

Due to space limitation, the covariance parameter is used to explain the crack propagation process of rocks with joint dip angles of 0° and 45° in section 4.2.

 

4. The conclusions should be revised. At present the conclusions lacks of innovation

and valuable findings.

 

The innovation of this paper is to use covariance parameter to identify cracks in layered rock with joints. Conclusion (4) is not innovative enough, so it is deleted.

 

5. Novelty and innovation of the presented research should be highlighted in the

conclusions and abstract.

 

The innovation point of this paper is to use DIC data to identify cracks quantitatively and qualitatively. Therefore, the conclusion and abstract are revised again and the innovation point is highlighted.

 

Reviewer 2 Report

   In this paper, the digital image correlation method and acoustic emission  equipment were used to observe the crack strike and strain field changes of specimens.The crack growth process and failure mode in composite rock strata under uniaxial compression were studed. The new method of identifying the crack type proposed by the author is of practical significance.

Some detailed comments are listed as follows.

1.     In the introduction, the relevant research progress is insufficient, add relevant content to indicate the significance of the research in this paper.

2.     In part 2, add more physical images of test samples.

3.     In 4.1, please demonstrate the basis or reference for identifying crack types.

4.     The conclusion should be the understanding of regularity. Please condense the understanding of regularity in the text instead of just describing the experimental results

Author Response

Reviewer 2:

 

Comments:

 

 

1. In the introduction, the relevant research progress is insufficient, add relevant content to indicate the significance of the research in this paper.

 

In the revised version, some content has been added to explain the research progress of cracks in composite rocks.

 

2. In part 2, add more physical images of test samples.

 

Experimental images have been added to the revised version.

 

3. In 4.1, please demonstrate the basis or reference for identifying crack types.

 

The classification of crack types is based on the definitions of different cracks, as shown in Figure 7.

 

4. The conclusion should be the understanding of regularity. Please condense the understanding of regularity in the text instead of just describing the experimental results.

 

The conclusions have been modified to highlight more innovative patterns.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

It is difficult to evaluate this paper as I did not understand what the experimental setup is. The specimens consist of two materials with different properties and the imposed plane of weakness, but they do not show where the interface between these materials is located. Also, the conclusions (results) and their usefulness are not clear.

Author Response

Reviewer 3:

 

Comments:

 

It is difficult to evaluate this paper as I did not understand what the experimental setup is. The specimens consist of two materials with different properties and the imposed plane of weakness, but they do not show where the interface between these materials is located. Also, the conclusions (results) and their usefulness are not clear.

 

 

In this paper, the identification of different types of cracks in jointed layered rocks is studied without considering the interface of strata. The conclusion of the article is modified and summarized again. The conclusion is that a qualitative and a quantitative crack identification method is obtained through experiments. The conclusion has certain reference value for the crack disaster problem in civil engineering.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The previous suggestions 2 and 3 are not solved appropriately. The paper needs further modifications. The authors should take the suggestions seriously. In addition, the English editing is needed. 

Author Response

1. The formula symmetric has been replaced by strain yx.

     2.In Section 4, we have explained why V is used to describe the crack propagation process.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 3

Reviewer 1 Report

The author has not revised the manuscript as requested. For instance, the Table2 still remains in the revised manuscripts. It is not acceptable.