Utilizing Fine Marine Sediment as a Partial Substitute for Sand in Self-Compacting Concrete Specially Designed for Application in Marine Environments

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript presents an interesting study; however, several significant issues need to be addressed before it can be considered for publication. The paper is poorly written and requires significant formatting improvements. The background information is insufficient and should be expanded to provide a clearer context for the study. Additionally, there are only two figures, with one figure presenting data but failing to clearly explain the findings. Several formatting errors were also noted throughout the manuscript, indicating a need for higher writing and technical standards.

Specific Comments:

1. Water Content Unit in Table 1 missing

2. Line 158: The SCC sample preparation should be presented in a flowchart indicating the steps and conditions for clarity and reproducibility.

3. Line 177: The numbering in this section is incorrect (2.4 to 3.1.1). Please correct this to maintain consistency.

4. Line 184: It is unclear from the text whether the tests of water absorption and water porosity were performed after 28 days

5. Overall, the manuscript has potential, but significant improvements are needed before it can be considered for publication. I recommend revising the manuscript according to the above suggestions and resubmitting it for further review

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The language used in the manuscript is generally good but requires checking for spelling and grammar errors

Author Response

My responses are enclosed within the attached document for your review.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The issue of modifying materials using extracted raw materials by means of recycling various waste residues is relevant. The beneficial use of extracted raw materials is largely aimed at preserving the planet’s ecosystem. This area of research also has a significant economic effect. The research reflected is of interest to the scientific community.

 

Some recommendations for improving the article:

1. The “Research objectives” subsection needs to be added to the introduction to improve understanding and ease of reading of the article.

2. Research by the authors that was previously conducted on this scientific problem is mentioned in the article text. But a more detailed description of previously conducted studies and specification of how the current study differs from previously performed ones is lacking in “Introduction”.

3. The section “Materials and Methods” requires improvement:

- The experiments design and methodology need to be described in more detail.

- No data available on the number of tests. How many samples were tested? How were they different?

- A summary table or chart reflecting the entire range of studies, indicating the samples number and their main differences, should be made to improve understanding of the scientific material.

- The question of setting up experimental studies with their description and visualization is interesting.

- The question of visualizing samples, their cross-sectional structure and changes during aging is interesting.

- There is no description of how the impact of adding fine marine sediment to concrete on CO2 emissions was assessed.

- I would like to see a more detailed description of methods for assessing the use of new concrete with fine marine sediment in sea water.

4. A detailed description of the research results from the point of view of reducing CO2 emissions when fine marine sediment is added to concrete is missing in Section 3.

5. Further directions for the scientific research development should be reflected in the “Conclusions” section.

 

Comments on the design of tables and figures:

1. There are 3 tables in the text, but the numbering is incorrect. Table number 1 appears twice in the text.

2. Figure 2 shows only grid lines parallel to the horizontal axis. Gridlines parallel to the vertical axis you need to add or remove gridlines parallel to the horizontal axis.

3. There is no data marked ** in Figure 2. But the data with ** is mentioned in the figure title.

4. Figure 2 consists of three diagrams, but they are not numbered. There is no specification of what is shown in the component parts in the figure title.

5. There is no legend for the last sub-figure of Figure 2.

Author Response

My responses are enclosed within the attached document for your review.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Editor 

 

The paper is very interesting and could be accepted after a minor revision.

There are some typing errors like capitalizing words, space, symbols etc. across the manuscript.

The number of tables must be checked.

The pictures of marine sediment and as-prepared concrete could be inserted into the paper.

Scan electron microscope will be a good tool to illustrate the morphology of prepared concrete.

 The conclusions must be refined. Authors should avoid including information corresponding to results or discussion and are awaiting more reliable perspectives for future studies, also, avoid the references in this section.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of the English language required

Author Response

My responses are enclosed within the attached document for your review.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Comments and recommendations were taken into account in the article revised version. The article may be accepted for publication in its current edition.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments and suggestions