Strength and Mechanism of Granite Residual Soil Strengthened by Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation Technology
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
While the microbial-induced calcite precipitation holds potential as a sustainable soil improvement technique, it is still a relatively emerging field, and further research can be needed to optimize the process and address practical challenges associated with its application in various soil types.
In this manuscript, the authors investigated the factors that influence the effect of soil solidification: the application of microbial induced calcite precipitation in the reinforcement of granite residual soil, consolidation effect of different methods and the effect of the concentration and pH values of the cementing fluid on the consolidation under optimum curing condition to systematically investigate the factors affecting the solidification effect of the soil are investigated. In addition, they found that the wetting method had the most effective consolidation effect and the lowest decomposition rate in the surface soil samples, and they also conducted studies such as determining the most effective method in terms of reinforcement depth and the highest unconfined compression strength according to the number of injections.
It is clear that the authors put a lot of work into this manuscript that is well-written and can be scientifically valuable.
The manuscript can be developed further by considering the following:
- Please add the references for all mathematical expressions not derived in this study.
- While microbial-induced calcite precipitation has shown promise, it may not be suitable for all types of soil (soils that are rich in calcium minerals or have a high concentration of calcium ions are more likely to be suitable for microbial-induced calcite precipitation treatment). Taking this into account, a paragraph including the 'Viability and Effectiveness of Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation Treatment' and the 'Future Prospects and Challenges' paragraph could be added to the manuscript.
- Considering the long-term performance of the reinforced soil is essential. Have you analysed the performance of the cases 'for example, factors such as creep behavior, soil settlement, and the potential for environmental degradation of the reinforcement material should be evaluated. (can be added to the manuscript)
- What will be your next step/study in this subject? (can be added to the Conclusion)
- The text inside Fig.2 can be enlarged. Table 1 can be rearranged.
- English Language quality is good. There are a few typing/grammar errors (like in Line 11) that can be revised by minor editing.
Author Response
Please see the attachment
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The paper aims to study the application of microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) in the reinforcement of granite residual soil. However, minor corrections must be carried out before publishing as follows:
1) In the abstract, the statement “This method resulted in a 513.65% increase in unconfined compressive strength (UCS), as well as a 297.98% increase in cohesion and a 101.75% increase in internal friction angle”. How did you obtain these percentages? Please clarify the comparison.
2) Some formatting mistakes been noted as in line 11. Please revised throughout the manuscript.
3) In the introduction, the authors only focused on a case study happened in southeast of China; however, it is recommended to explore further cases to highlight the studied problem statement.
4) Inappropriate citation is noted in lines 58, 70, 73 and 75 . Please revised throughout the manuscript.
5) In section 2.1.2, It is recommended to present a scan test Figure for the Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria used in the current.
6) The resolution of Figure 2 is blurry. Please revise throughout the manuscript
7) In section 2.2.1, please refer to the curing duration
8) The figure 3 (b) shows two test devices, please modify the figure to present only the soak method.
9) Inappropriate title abbreviation for the UCS test. Please state the full test name with the abbreviation
10) Figure 11 is missing.
11) Extensive editing of English language required is recommended
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Extensive editing of English language required is recommended.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The presented paper is focused on the Strength and Mechanism of Granite Residual Soil Strengthened by microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) Technology.
- In the figures, please use the same font size as in the main text
- Use higher-quality pictures
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
