Study on the Deformation Mechanism of Shallow Soil Landslides Under the Coupled Effects of Crack Development, Road Loading, and Rainfall

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The landslide described by the authors is well-known and monitored. It is also known that "displacement fluctuations exhibit strong correlations with rainfall intensity". The authors cite a detailed analysis of rainfall data, which means that the article takes the form of a report. The conclusions appear on page 7, in which the authors claim that the data obtained provide comprehensive knowledge. So why is there a further part of the article? Are changes in the Stability coefficient by 0.01 significant enough to provide new information against the background of the entire package of available data? The first paragraph of the discussion is again a summary; the same aspects are described as before. The same content appears several times throughout the article. Removing it would significantly shorten the length of the article. A key question arises: What is the article's new element?

Author Response

Please find the comments at the attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In this paper, the deformation mechanism of shallow soil landslides under multi-field coupling is systematically investigated through on-site monitoring, numerical simulation and case comparisons, and the selected topic has important theoretical value and engineering significance. The study reveals the dual regulation mechanism of rainfall patterns (long-term rainfall and short-term storm) on landslide deformation, clarifies the amplification effect of cracks on seepage and the fatigue accumulation effect of cyclic dynamic loads, and provides a scientific basis for landslide disaster early warning. The research method is standardised, the data are detailed, and the conclusions are instructive for engineering practice.

 

Some detailed suggestions are as follows.

 

1. This study presents a new perspective, but to further enhance its academic rigour, it is recommended that the authors provide a more comprehensive comparative analysis in the case study selection section.
2. The discussion of static and cyclic loading in landslides in the introduction needs improvement. The authors should clearly articulate the critical role of these loading conditions in landslide stability analyses; this clarification is essential to establish the theoretical foundation of the study.
3. The conclusion on crack extension in the introduction seems to be inconsistent with the previously mentioned studies on the coupled effects of cracks and rainfall.
4. Although it is mentioned that existing studies focus on single-factor or two-factor coupling, it is not sufficiently explained how this paper fills the research gap of the three-factor coupling of ‘crack-load-rainfall’. It is suggested to add a paragraph at the end of the introduction to compare the existing studies (e.g., Zhang et al., 2012; Liang et al., 2024a), highlighting the uniqueness of this paper's multi-field coupling analysis framework.
5. The language expression should be optimised to improve the accuracy of technical expression. Special attention should be paid to the consistency of terminology and the accuracy of grammar throughout.
6. Some paragraphs need to be edited to improve readability. Authors may consider restructuring some sentences, paying particular attention to morphology.
7. The use of the same title before programmes 2.3 and 2.4 may cause confusion. It is recommended that different titles be developed for specific content to accurately reflect the unique focus of each section.
8. Figures 2 and 3 are currently labelled with the same title. This should be revised.
9. The simulation conditions (e.g., frequency, amplitude) of cyclic dynamic loads are not described in detail, and need to be supplemented with actual engineering data (e.g., traffic load spectra) to enhance persuasiveness.
10. It is suggested that the analysis of the landslide case of Baiyansi Group should include the influence of cyclic dynamic loading to enhance the analysis effect.

Author Response

Please find the comments at the attached file.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors took into account the comments.