Disintegration Characteristics of Remolded Granite Residual Soil with Different Moisture Contents

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

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Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In this work, the authors explored the effect of initial moisture content on the soil disintegration features and disintegration mechanism on the basis of the disintegration test, quantitative disintegration index and parallel water absorption test for the granite residual soil (GRS). Further, they investigated the disintegration mechanism of GRS according to the process curves and morphology of disintegration together with multiple tests of XRD, XRF, matrix suction, and triaxial shear. Based on the newly-obtained data, they considered that the newly-improved method enhanced the accuracy of the quantitative disintegration evaluation; during the two-stage disintegration, different disintegrated products are the drivers of disintegration; and the GRS with lower moisture contents possessed the better water stability and slower disintegration. The new results may provide theoretical references for exploring geological disasters and related engineering problems. Thus, I recommend publishing this manuscript in your Journal. However, there are some important problems (described in the attachment) that should be clarified before acceptance. Below, I briefly outline the key points.

1. Physical quantities and variables should be italic, but their subscripts or superscripts (except quantity or variable) are not italic.

2. Check the reference format and keep them identical.

3. The quality of Fig. 10, such as too dark background should be improved.

 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

There are some English grammar errors in the manuscript and I have corrected some of them (see the attachment). Therefore, the authors should further check and polish it.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper studies extensively the disintegration characteristics of remolded granite soil using laboratory tests. The paper is well written and clear, however, some more comments for improvement are listed below:

1. Is meliorate a common term? not really technical in my opinion, can be changed to something more simple.

2. Coefficient of nonuniformity? Or uniformity?

3. Kindly also state the USCS classification as it is more universal.

4. 2.2.2.2.2.2?

5. Needs more details about the suction, was it vapor equilibrium technique using chemical solutions or axis translation? Also figures may be added for a better understanding.

6. No need of having more than 3 decimal points in R2 values.

7. Fig 10, the values of T are not readable.

8. Matrix or matric suction?

9. Fig 13 quality must be improved, specially the x-axis.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. Why not use undisturbed soil. 

2. What's the highlights of the manuscript?

3. What is the significance of the experimental results in this article compared to residual soil in other regions?

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 5 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

(1) It is recommended to provide more quantitative digits in abstract and conclusion to support the technical outcomes of papers. In this way, readers can accurately grasp the key result information and develop an interest in reading and referencing the manuscript.

(2) For the convenience of readers' understanding, it is recommended to add a schematic diagram in the introduction to more clearly indicate the scientific problem to be studied. Moreover, it is recommended to add new and representative studies as representatives of the current research status in the introduction.

(3) In section 3.1, results of water absorption test  was given. However, there is only qualitative evaluation. Therefore, it is recommended to add some quantitative result descriptions and discussions appropriately.

(4) From Figure 9, it can be seen that the average disintegration rate in the first stage first decreases and then increases with the increase of initial water saturation. But in the second stage, it showed a different situation. What is the reason for this? It's best to have an appropriate discussion about this.

(5) The statement in lines 302-302 that "Soil disintegration occurs along the direction of the minimum intergranular joining forces without destroying the particles. " needs to be supported by citing some references. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-21233-7， https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19663-4

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Please ask a native English speaker or a professional language service to proof read and improve the use of English language in your paper.

Author Response

Please see the the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

My concerns have been addressed. Thanks.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The MS has been extensively modified according to my comments, and thus I recommend publishing it in the present form.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

All comments answered. No further issues.

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

the manuscript can be accepted.

Reviewer 5 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

With the improvement, this paper can be accepted for publication now.