Study on Stability and Deformation Characteristics of Ultra-Deep Diaphragm Wall during Trench Excavation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript "Study on Stability and Deformation Characteristics of Ultra-Deep Diaphragm Wall during Trench Excavation" presents a comprehensive and insightful analysis of a crucial aspect of underground construction. Here are some positive comments on the acceptance of this manuscript:

1. The utilization of the horizontal strip method for analyzing the stability of mud retaining walls in underground continuous walls introduces an innovative approach to address a critical gap in current geotechnical engineering practices. This method not only considers the complexities of soil stratification but also provides more accurate results, as evidenced by its closer alignment with actual mud parameters.

2. The research is highly relevant to contemporary urban development scenarios, where deep underground construction projects are increasingly common. By focusing on the stability and deformation characteristics of ultra-deep diaphragm walls during trench excavation, the study offers valuable insights for addressing the challenges associated with such projects, including subway construction, high-rise building basements, and underground infrastructure for water management.

3.  The manuscript demonstrates a thorough analysis of various factors influencing the stability of groove trenches, including mud properties, foundation soil properties, and groundwater levels. By integrating theoretical analysis methods such as the limit equilibrium method and finite element method, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions involved in underground construction processes.

4.  The conclusions drawn from the study, particularly regarding the critical impact of mud weight and mud level elevation on trench stability, have significant practical implications for engineering design and construction management. The insights gained from the research can inform decision-making processes and help optimize construction methodologies to ensure the safety and efficiency of deep foundation pit projects.

5.  The manuscript reflects a collaborative effort involving contributions from multiple authors with diverse expertise, including conceptualization, methodology, validation, and data analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the robustness of the research findings and underscores the collective effort invested in advancing knowledge in the field of geotechnical engineering.

Overall, the manuscript presents a commendable contribution to the scientific community, offering valuable insights, innovative methodologies, and practical implications for the design and implementation of deep foundation pit projects. Acceptance of this manuscript for publication would enrich the body of knowledge in geotechnical engineering and facilitate informed decision-making in underground construction practices.

Author Response

Comments 1：

The utilization of the horizontal strip method for analyzing the stability of mud retaining walls in underground continuous walls introduces an innovative approach to address a critical gap in current geotechnical engineering practices. This method not only considers the complexities of soil stratification but also provides more accurate results, as evidenced by its closer alignment with actual mud parameters.

Response 1：

We are grateful for the reviewer's recognition of the innovative approach our study introduces. We appreciate the acknowledgment of the horizontal strip method's ability to address the critical gap in geotechnical engineering practices, especially in the context of soil stratification and its impact on mud retaining walls. The close alignment with actual mud parameters was a key objective of our research, and we are pleased to hear that this has been achieved.

Comments 2：

The research is highly relevant to contemporary urban development scenarios, where deep underground construction projects are increasingly common. By focusing on the stability and deformation characteristics of ultra-deep diaphragm walls during trench excavation, the study offers valuable insights for addressing the challenges associated with such projects, including subway construction, high-rise building basements, and underground infrastructure for water management.

Response 2：

Thank you for highlighting the relevance of our research to contemporary urban development. We are pleased to know that our focus on the stability and deformation of ultra-deep diaphragm walls is seen as valuable for addressing the challenges in deep underground construction projects. The practical implications for subway construction, high-rise building basements, and water management infrastructure are indeed central to our study's contribution to the field.

Comments 3：

The manuscript demonstrates a thorough analysis of various factors influencing the stability of groove trenches, including mud properties, foundation soil properties, and groundwater levels. By integrating theoretical analysis methods such as the limit equilibrium method and finite element method, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions involved in underground construction processes.

Response 3：

We appreciate the reviewer's positive feedback on the thoroughness of our analysis. The integration of various theoretical methods was a deliberate choice to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions in underground construction. We are glad to hear that this approach has been recognized as providing a deeper insight into the factors influencing the stability of groove trenches.

Comments 4：

The conclusions drawn from the study, particularly regarding the critical impact of mud weight and mud level elevation on trench stability, have significant practical implications for engineering design and construction management. The insights gained from the research can inform decision-making processes and help optimize construction methodologies to ensure the safety and efficiency of deep foundation pit projects.

Response 4：

We are thankful for the reviewer's comments on the practical implications of our conclusions. The critical impact of mud weight and mud level elevation on trench stability is a key finding of our research, and we are pleased to know that these insights can be instrumental in informing engineering design and construction management practices, ultimately contributing to the safety and efficiency of deep foundation pit projects.

Comments 5：

The manuscript reflects a collaborative effort involving contributions from multiple authors with diverse expertise, including conceptualization, methodology, validation, and data analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the robustness of the research findings and underscores the collective effort invested in advancing knowledge in the field of geotechnical engineering.

Response 5：

We are grateful for the recognition of the collaborative nature of our work. The interdisciplinary approach was essential in enhancing the robustness of our research findings. We are pleased that the collective effort of our team, with its diverse expertise, has been acknowledged as a significant factor in advancing knowledge in geotechnical engineering.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. The main question addressed by the research in the document focuses on assessing the stability and deformation characteristics of ultra-deep diaphragm walls during trench excavation. Specifically, it investigates how different factors, such as mud weight and height, influence the safety coefficient and deformation behaviour of trench walls in complex geological settings.

2. Overall, the originality and relevance of the topic make it a valuable contribution to the field, addressing both theoretical and practical challenges in contemporary geotechnical engineering. The research addresses a specific gap in the field of geotechnical engineering, particularly in the understanding and application of stability analysis methods for ultra-deep diaphragm walls during trench excavation.

3. The research enhances the body of knowledge in geotechnical engineering by introducing innovative analytical methods and providing comprehensive insights into the factors affecting the stability of deep excavation projects.

4. While the horizontal strip method shows promise, directly comparing its results with those obtained from other established method like the limit equilibrium method in the same study contexts could highlight specific advantages or limitations more clearly.

Conducting replicated studies in different geographical locations with similar conditions can help verify the findings and ensure that the conclusions drawn are not site-specific but broadly applicable.

5. The conclusions are consistent with evidence and the main question is well addressed.

6. The references are appropriate.

 

Dear authors!

References to Fig. 1, 2 Table 1 is not included in the text.

It is necessary to conduct a modern analysis of the references. One of the most recent sources is from 2019.

Good luck!

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Check the English.

Author Response

Comments 1：:References to Fig. 1, 2 Table 1 is not included in the text.

Response 1: We have incorporated explicit references to Fig. 1, 2, and Table 1 within the text, with detailed descriptions now provided in section 2.1 for clarity and ease of reference.

 

Comments 2：It is necessary to conduct a modern analysis of the references. One of the most recent sources is from 2019.

Response 2: In response to the need for a contemporary analysis, we have updated our references to include more recent literature, ensuring that our work is current and reflective of the latest research developments. Specific details can be found in the introduction and throughout the updated reference list.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper is good knowledge to addition and here are some additions required to improve the quality and clarity of the work. Add these changes to the paper so readers understand and utilize the work better.

1- Add a reference to Figure 1, Table 1, and Project C2A.

2- Add a reference to L-85-92 of page 2.

3- The reference style should be numbered instead of author-date, L-77, page 2.

4- Add a list of abbreviations

5- Most of the references are pre-2010, update the reference list to the latest one.

6- Add a reference to Table 2 and change the unit of Permeability to Mirconmeter /s for simplicity.

7- what are the significance and base/ justification of assumptions on page 4, L321-138?

8- Add the reference to Equations 1,2 and 3.

9- Figures 13 and 14 are not clear.

10- What is the accuracy and validation of the results?

11- The sensitivity analyses and most significant/critical parameters are to be discussed in detail.

12- Add numeric data in support of conclusions 2-4.

Author Response

Comments 1： Add a reference to Figure 1, Table 1, and Project C2A.

Response 1:The project detailed in this paper is original and has not been documented in other scholarly works. We regret that a direct reference cannot be provided. However, Chapter 2 offers an in-depth overview of the project's foundational aspects.

Comments 2：Add a reference to L-85-92 of page 2.

Response 2:We have incorporated a recent reference as requested, with specific details now available in reference 36.

Comments 3：The reference style should be numbered instead of author-date, L-77, page 2.

Response 3:The reference formatting has been corrected to a numbered style as per the journal's guidelines.

Comments 4：Add a list of abbreviations

Response 4: A comprehensive list of abbreviations has been included, clearly presented in the notations section for reader convenience.

Comments 5：Most of the references are pre-2010, update the reference list to the latest one.

Response 5:The authors have Cited some recent relevant literatures, more details in the introduction and references31-36.

Comments 6： Add a reference to Table 2 and change the unit of Permeability to Mirconmeter /s for simplicity.

Response 6: The parameters in Table 2 stem from an exclusive survey report not previously published. We regret that we cannot provide a direct reference. Nevertheless, the unit of Permeability has been updated to Micrometers per second for enhanced clarity.

Comments 7：what are the significance and base/ justification of assumptions on page 4, L321-138?

Response 7: Concerning Assumption 1, our choice of a straight-line sliding surface in the horizontal strip method, a variant of the Rigid Body Limit Equilibrium Method, is both a simplification for analytical tractability and a reflection of common geotechnical practices where such linear approximations are frequently valid. This assumption facilitates a more manageable analysis while maintaining a high degree of relevance to real-world conditions.Assumption 2 is grounded in the geological reality of our project site, where the soil strata are indeed layered. This characteristic stratification is a standard feature in geotechnical engineering and is crucial for accurately modeling the behavior of the soil during the analysis.Regarding Assumption 3, we acknowledge the exclusion of time effects in our analysis. This simplification is made to focus on the immediate conditions at the point of failure, which is a common approach in stability analyses. By assuming instantaneous failure, we concentrate on the critical factors leading up to the failure event itself, rather than the gradual processes that may precede it. This approach is justified by the specific objectives of our study and aligns with the methodological conventions in geotechnical stability assessments.

Comments 8：Add the reference to Equations 1,2 and 3.

Response 8:References to Equations 1, 2, and 3 have been included, with further details available in reference 37.

Comments 9： Figures 13 and 14 are not clear.

Response 9: The clarity of Figures 13 and 14 has been significantly improved for better comprehension.

Comments 10： What is the accuracy and validation of the results?

Response 10: The accuracy of our results is substantiated by a comparison between actual and calculated mud weight and height, affirming the applicability of our horizontal strip method. Discrepancies in the deformation patterns obtained through finite element analysis have been noted and will be the subject of future research.

Comments 11： The sensitivity analyses and most significant/critical parameters are to be discussed in detail.

Response 11:We concur with the reviewer's insight that a multitude of parameters, including mud properties, strata characteristics, applied loads, and trench dimensions, significantly influence the stability and deformation behavior of the groove. Specifically, the use of slurry during diaphragm wall trenching is a standard practice for protection, underscoring the critical role of slurry parameters.In light of this, we have focused our sensitivity analysis on the height and density of the slurry, parameters identified as pivotal in prior research. Our choice is further supported by evidence from existing literature, which corroborates the significant impact of these factors on the stability of trench excavations. Comprehensive details and references to this supporting literature have been included in the manuscript to elucidate our approach and findings.

Comments 12： Add numeric data in support of conclusions 2-4.

Response 12:We appreciate the reviewer's feedback. The paper presents typical results that support conclusions 2-4. While our conclusions are based on the specific outcomes of our study, we hope they provide a valuable reference for future research endeavors.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have incorporated most of the suggestions but still need to provide details about Figure 1, Table 1, and Project C2A, even if it is not from other scholarly work but should provide the details and reference of the document approved.

Author Response

comments1：Figure 1, Table 1, and Project C2A, even if it is not from other scholarly work but should provide the details and reference of the document approved.

response1：The construction plan for this project has been provided as requested, see the attached files for details.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf