Dynamic Analysis of the Seismo-Dynamic Response of Anti-Dip Bedding Rock Slopes Using a Three-Dimensional Discrete-Element Method

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This paper presents 3D discrete-element modeling using the software package in 3DEC in order to analyze the dynamics of anti-dip  bedding rock slopes with different joint angles and different slope angles under seismic load. The paper can be improved as per my comments.  Please check the detailed comments as attached

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Reviewer 2 Report

The abstract is too lengthy and very verbally – better reducing it and discussion also some quantitative results in brief

Please avoid block citation such as “[2- 7], maximum 3 is enough – please check everywhere in this manuscript

I am wonder how your results can be reproduced by experimental activity ?

The conclusion should be related to your results and endorsed by quantitative details

Some novel references are required

Author Response

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Reviewer 3 Report

Dear Authors

It is an interesting work about the methodology of the use of dynamic analysis response of anti-dip bedding rock slopes using a three-dimensional discrete-element method.

It should be noted that the heterogeneity of rock masses is dependent on the scale of observation, therefore, the scale of application of the model, structural geometry of the slope and the geologic structure, and the difficulty of introducing other variables, e.g., mechanical characteristics of the different types of rock (elasticity modulus, Poisson coefficient, internal frictional angle cohesion), makes models an evaluation approach.

In 1. Introduction, you can refer to the correct characterization of the discontinuities as the model assumes continuity and homogeneity along the x axis. It improves the careful interpretation of the results. It must be done based on Attitude (dip, dip direction); Spacing - conditions the size of the blocks and determines the type of rupture; Openness - very important to take into account in seepage problems; Continuity and extension - continuity is very important for the probability of rupture; Roughness of the planes - it is a potentially important characteristic in strength, especially in unfilled fractures; Filling material - the type of filling material and the opening is important for the shear strength; Permeability; Number of fractures - the behavior of the massif is a function of the number of families of discontinuities that intersect.

Line 49 and 50… of anticline rocky slopes under static conditions is relatively mature. How-

ever, the dynamic response and stability of anti-dip bedding rock … the anti-dip bedding rock condition depends on the geometry of the slope against the center or axis or axial surface, angle of plunge, limb etc of anticlinal… or it may be in a structural condition of syncline – should better describe this geometric situation. e.g. Figure 11 and 12 contours plots of displacement in y-direction appear to follow the different strata of a syncline, which can lead to confusion. Line 60 …on the stability of slopes… or … on the stability of rock slopes…

Table 1. describe density in kN/m3.

Line 197, describe the relationship and its variables. Line 221 and 222 … and A = 3.14 m/s2 for the amplitude as these values correspond to a natural earthquake of intensity Ms = 8.0 [29]… See the units of Amplitude in IS (m/s2 - ?) and for earthquake of intensity Ms = 8.0. What is the scale? It's energy, Richter(?).

Line 270 to … rewrite following the row of figures, e.g., …According to Figs. 10a and 10b, the slope does … appear before figure 7… and see line 367 to 369.

Eq. 5 sigma (σ) for shear stress, is better use tau (τ) symbol for this stress.

The bibliography is adequate.

Editorial comments

The subtitles must be on the same page, e.g., Fig. 7, 15;

Increase the size of the axe’s labels, e.g., Fig. 9 a) and b) x-axis;

Fig 16 the values can all be approximated to the 0.00 or 0.000.

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Reviewer 4 Report

The authors investigate the rock slope stability under seismic conditions using DEM.  The manuscript is well written and structured. The literature review is extensive providing state of the art. The methodology is well presented with only minor reviewer's remarks to be addressed prior the publication. The entire content is organised in a matter allowing easy understanding of the  approach with extensive discussion and conclusions supported by the outcomes of the modelling. The only part that requires further explanations is the material parameters and the principal assumptions for the modelling. First of all, the authors are advised to provide some more specific information how were the geotechnical parameters obtained? Do they reflect in situ conditions, are they assumed based on literature? Please explain. In line 222 The authors present the values for frequencies and amplitude. This needs further explanation. Please be more specific what bases such assumptions were proposed on. The values should most probably reflect the reals case scenario. Is that the case here? Later in the text the authors refer to a earthquake event that took place in the past.  Thus the question is whether the geotechnical parameters are adopted form the site located somewhere in Wenchuan, or are these just randomly selected. In other words, how probable is the scenario for the modelling? In line 242 the author propose the location for the modeling points but it' is not clear if there is any particular pattern applied or the locations are based on random selection. Please comment on that, and provide explanation in the main text.  The entire work is rather theoretical thus it would be beneficial to provide some critical review for the reliability of the results. That would make the reader believe that the authors are fully aware of the subject and the approach used in the study. This concerns mainly the application of propose solution in engineering practice, since this is Applied Sciences journal.

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