Sustainable Engineering: Load Transfer Characterization for the Structural Design of Thinner Concrete Pavements
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This paper provides a LTE-CW relationship to refine the mechanistic-empirical design of short slabs JPCP. The paper also introduces the cost-effectiveness of short slabs, especially in developing countries. The paper is well organized. The following is proposed to possibly enhance the paper quality:
- Figure 4 can be combined into one chart divided by two arrows after “saw cut” for each JPCP type.
- Figure 7: please add the point clouds of each source on the graph and provide the model with fitting information (for example r-square).
- Equation 2: define n.
- Equation 3: provide significance information of each predictor and the overall R-square.
- Sustainability analysis: authors are recommended to provide relevant references/equations of how these environmental parameters were determined for each JPCP type.
- Figure 9: a statistical test should be conducted to test the significance of the two samples. Related assumptions should be met.
- The following typos should be addressed:
- Line 18: “represents”; Line 19: “it is possible”
- Line 54 “The design advantages ..”: this statement needs a reference.
- Line 63: “where is not unusual ..” this statement has a grammatical error.
- Line 67: “seems”; Line 78: “behaviour is..”; Line 84: “method is limited” remove “it”
- Line 97: “it is necessary a method ..” This statement is hard to understand. Please revise it.
- Line 163: “some variability is ..” remove “it”
- Line 165: to monitor that insignificant ..”; Line 169: “a LVDT”; Line 171: “alternative one..”; Line 194: “was based on ..”
- Line 326: “.. of a given region.”; Line 355: “SF”
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Laboratory investigations are very questionable. How they relate to real conditions.
The dimensions of the beams seem too small.
The exact shape of the contraction or expansion joint has not been made. (appropriate cut, width)
The authors write:
“In effect, thinner slabs mean lower consumption of concrete and especially cement, which is the main generator of emissions.”
But after all, thinner boards require more material to fill the gaps.
Interesting research, however, authors should find a better argument for their scientific idea.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
All comments and suggestions are included in the attached PDF file.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments have been addressed.
Reviewer 2 Report
Appropriate changes have been made.
