Research on Subsidence Induced by the Dewatering–Curtain Interaction in the Deep Foundation Pit of the Shield Launching Shaft in Shenzhen, China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript presents an original study related to the use of cut-off barriers in the ground when constructing deep excavation pits and how their length affects the water conditions around. From scientific point of view the study is correct, but it is more of a case study rather than a research paper showing a significant novelty. However, it is still well prepared and in scope of the Water journal. The way in the material is presented makes the paper look quite mature for publication. Only minor issues were noticed, which are listed below:

1. Line 52-53: It is not really the 'main factor', just one of the important ones. It is better not to overexaggerate the level of importance of the investigated problem.

2. References seems to be not well shown in the text.

3. Figure 3 - Elevation for each layer boundary should be provided.

4. Table 1 - Headings of last two columns probably should be switched.

5. Line 316: It is not clear what the Authors mean by 'encrypted'.

6. Lines 322-323: Permeability is a critical parameter for the analysis. It should be explained in more detail how it was assumed. Especially, as for diaphragm wall usually the imperfections of the wall are more important that the permeability of the material itself.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

We thank you for your valuable comments on our manuscript. In the following, we respond to these comments in the order of their appearance.

Commment: Line 52-53: It is not really the 'main factor', just one of the important ones. It is better not to overexaggerate the level of importance of the investigated problem.

Response: We have modified our statement.

Commment: References seems to be not well shown in the text.

Response: We have modified these references.

Commment: Figure 3 - Elevation for each layer boundary should be provided.

Response: We have added elevation for each layer.

Commment: Table 1 - Headings of last two columns probably should be switched.

Response: We have switched the headings of the last two columns.

Commment: Line 316: It is not clear what the Authors mean by 'encrypted'.

Response: We have modified ‘encrypted’ to ‘the grids of numerical model are refined’

Commment: Lines 322-323: Permeability is a critical parameter for the analysis. It should be explained in more detail how it was assumed. Especially, as for diaphragm wall usually the imperfections of the wall are more important that the permeability of the material itself.

Response: Your concern is very useful. In order to ensure the expected permeability, the integrity of concrete is strictly controlled during construction of underground diaphragm wall.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Research on subsidence induced by dewatering-curtain interaction in the deep foundation pit of the shield launching shaft in Shenzhen, China

In this paper, an analysis of the initial stage of hydro-mechanically coupled processes in the deep foundation pit, including groundwater seepage and ground subsidence. This paper focuses on the influences of subsidence and dewatering by different depths of waterproof curtain. Authors can consult the following comments to revise the paper:
1. There are several incoherent phrases problems in the text. Please check and revise them in detail.

2. Lines 68, 247 and 277 show that reference source is not found, other references are needed checked.

3. The font in Figure 7 is too small, increase the font appropriately.

4. English should be highly improved.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

We thank you for your valuable comments on our manuscript. In the following, we respond to these comments in the order of their appearance.

Commment: There are several incoherent phrases problems in the text. Please check and revise them in detail.

Response: We have revised and modified them.

Commment: Lines 68, 247 and 277 show that reference source is not found, other references are needed checked.

Response: We have modified them.

Commment: The font in Figure 7 is too small, increase the font appropriately.

Response: We have modified the font of Figure 7.

Commment: English should be highly improved.

Response: We have modified the font of Figure 7.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx