Effect of Ultra-Lightweight High-Ductility Cementitious Composite in Steel–Concrete–Steel (SCS) Plate to Mitigate Ship Slamming Loads

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

1. Researching results should be added in Section abstract.

2.The highlights in Section Introduction should be provided.

3. Reults part should be summarized.

4.Conclusions should be generalized point to point.

5.More recent references should be added.

1. Researching results should be added in Section abstract.

2.The highlights in Section Introduction should be provided.

3. Reults part should be summarized.

4.Conclusions should be generalized point to point.

5.More recent references should be added.

Author Response

Please find the attached file as a response to the reviewer's comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

1. It is suggested that the mix design of this concrete is given directly and the relevant parameters used in the simulation calculation are listed.

2. Since the ship plate is a composite structure (SCS), how is the steel plate connected to the concrete? How do you make sure they work together? The internal structure and structure diagram are suggested.

3. Does the use of this composite structure increase or decrease the self-weight compared to the traditional structural form? Recommendations clearly stated.

4. In this paper, the impact speed is used to simulate the slamming loads, then how to reflect the actual impact inertia? If the concrete inside is completely broken, how will it be repaired? Suggest additional discussion.

5. The conclusion should be elaborated one by one according to the research results.

6. The font size of coordinate names in some graphs does not match the text, the variables in some graphs have no units, and the variable writing format is not standardized.

Layout and variable writing format need to be further standardized.

Author Response

Please find the attached file as a response to the reviewer's comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

The manuscript needs major revision as the results section is not discussed well. The following comments should be considered while revising.

·         There must be a separate section for the properties of cementitious materials and steel plates.

·         In the result section, please separate the discussion for each figure. Currently, it’s difficult to follow the discussion as all the figures are placed after discussion. Also, the discussion section must be elaborated as currently it is very brief.

·         There is no detailed discussion how the statistical analysis is performed and what the input and output parameters are.

·         The authors need to find ways to improve the quality/visibility of some figures such as number 11 and 14.

·         Conclusion section should be improved by highlighting the major findings in bullet points from the research. It should be concise. Also, limitations of the current modelling should also be highlighted.

Author Response

Please find the attached file as a response to the reviewer's comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

This paper can be accepted

This paper can be accepted

Author Response

We thank the reviewer for the valuable comments. 

Reviewer 2 Report

After careful review, you have made careful revisions according to the requirements of the reviewers. As a reviewer, I have suggested the editorial department to accept this article. Warm congratulations!

Author Response

We thank the reviewer for the valuable comments. 

Reviewer 3 Report

Figure 14 is not discussed properly. Please define the numbering for each figure 14a to 14e and briefly discuss all of them. Also, will there be any units? Please check it. 

Author Response

Please find the attached file as the response to the reviewer's comment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 3

Reviewer 3 Report

The comments are addressed by the authors. I have no more comments.