Stability Grade Evaluation of Slope with Soft Rock Formation in Open-Pit Mine Based on Modified Cloud Model
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis study developed an approach to evaluate the stability of the open-pit slope using the cloud theory. A practical slope was utilized to validate the developed method. This study is interesting. The following comments are for further revision.
1. The core of this study is the cloud model-based slope stability analysis. The basic idea of the cloud model was introduced. However, the procedure and algorithm of the developed method still need to be clarified. A detailed implementation procedure should be provided for the reader's understanding.
2. According to the evaluation index of slope stability, the weight matrix is a crucial component of the developed method. How is the weight matrix obtained? How is its rationality ensured? These questions need to be addressed in detail to underscore the importance of the weight matrix in the method's effectiveness.
3. Some figures (Figures 3,7a,9, and 10a,etc)need to be clearer provide high-resolution figures.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor editing of English language required
Author Response
Thank you very much for your valuable suggestions on the revision! The modifications are presented as follows:
This study developed an approach to evaluate the stability of the open-pit slope using the cloud theory. A practical slope was utilized to validate the developed method. This study is interesting. The following comments are for further revision.
- The core of this study is the cloud model-based slope stability analysis. The basic idea of the cloud model was introduced. However, the procedure and algorithm of the developed method still need to be clarified. A detailed implementation procedure should be provided for the reader's understanding.
Answer: In section 3.2, the basic data calculation of the cloud model is presented, and the calculation methods and processes are introduced in detail(Add section 3.5).At the same time,Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 moderately expand the detailsAdd Section 3.5 that details the computing program of the cloud model.
- According to the evaluation index of slope stability, the weight matrix is a crucial component of the developed method. How is the weight matrix obtained? How is its rationality ensured? These questions need to be addressed in detail to underscore the importance of the weight matrix in the method's effectiveness.
Answer: The establishment of the weight index in this study is crucial, so the questions posed by expert teachers have been revised：
(1)The calculation steps of the weight matrix are shown in Section 2.1 (as shown in Figure 2);
(2)The weight matrix establishment method is rerefined (see Section 2.2);
(3)The rationality of the weight matrix is controlled by the CR indicator (see Section 2.3)
- Some figures (Figures 3,7a,9, and 10a,etc)need to be clearer provide high-resolution figures.
Answer: The pictures have been modified again(Figures 3,7a,9, and 10a,etc).
Finally, thank you again to the expert teachers for the revision opinions!
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe content of this article is of practical significance. This article evaluates the safety of high and steep slopes using two methods and verifies them through case studies.
1.the journal names in reference section are not right.
2.this manuscript provides two methods. and an engineering example was provided. however, there are lack of some arguments and discussion of findings based on your method.
3. In the introduction section, there is insufficient discussion on the current research progress and existing problems that this article focuses on. Suggest the author to strengthen the content of this section.
4.What is the relationship between AHP method and Cloud method in this article? Why did this article adopt the Cloud method after using AHP. The relationship between the two methods should be clearly introduced.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your valuable suggestions on the revision! The modifications are presented as follows:
The content of this article is of practical significance. This article evaluates the safety of high and steep slopes using two methods and verifies them through case studies.
1.the journal names in reference section are not right.
Answer: Check and modify as required(See the reference standards)
2.this manuscript provides two methods. and an engineering example was provided. however, there are lack of some arguments and discussion of findings based on your method.
Answer: In this paper, AHP is used to construct a targeted evaluation system. The cloud model is employed for assessing slope stability, and an engineering example is provided. The modified cloud model method is evaluated and compared with the numerical simulation method and the limit balance method for verification. In response to the teacher's feedback on insufficient discussion, section 4.5 has been added to analyze the advantages of model building.
- In the introduction section, there is insufficient discussion on the current research progress and existing problems that this article focuses on. Suggest the author to strengthen the content of this section.
Answer:The introduction section was rewritten
4.What is the relationship between AHP method and Cloud method in this article? Why did this article adopt the Cloud method after using AHP. The relationship between the two methods should be clearly introduced.
Answer:This paper uses AHP to construct a targeted evaluation system while employing the cloud model for assessing slope stability. An engineering example is also presented to evaluate and compare the modified cloud model method with both numerical simulation and limit balance methods for verification purposes. Additionally, section 4.5 has been included in response to the teacher's feedback regarding insufficient discussion, aiming at analyzing the advantages of model building.AHP only builds a targeted rating system with cloud theory analysis.The AHP only builds a targeted rating system.Using the cloud theory to analyze the stability
Finally, thank you again to the expert teachers for the revision opinions!
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors1. The research gap and research significance should be highlighted in this manuscript.
2. The formats of all the figures should be revised according to the template of this journal.
3. The authors are suggested to present the details of the rationale of the selection of the parameters/indicators to make the decision.
4. What are the advantages of this Modified Cloud Model compared with the numerical model?
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageProfessional language editing is needed.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your valuable suggestions on the revision! The modifications are presented as follows:
- The research gap and research significance should be highlighted in this manuscript.
Answer: I have extensively revised the a introduction sections to highlight the research gaps and significance of the study.The introduction underwent extensive revisions, which incorporated the comments from Reviewer 2(Opinion 3).
- The formats of all the figures should be revised according to the template of this journal.
Answer: The pictures and references have been modified according to the opinions of the two expert teachers.
- The authors are suggested to present the details of the rationale of the selection of the parameters/indicators to make the decision.
Answer: Add some process data and content data, refine the principle description, and clarify the evaluation steps (add sections 2 and 3 of the content)
- What are the advantages of this Modified Cloud Model compared with the numerical model?
Answer:For comparative analysis, section 4.5 is added in the paper.
Finally, thank you again to the expert teachers for the revision opinions!
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI think this manuscript can be accepted.
