Experimental Study on Engineering Properties of Cemented Soil with High Water Content

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper presented the results of an interesting study on the strength and stiffness of cemented soil. This is an important topic in coastal area. The tests were properly designed, and the data interpretation is sound. There are two areas for improvements:

1. The English writing needs to be improved.

2. Regarding the test samples: the diameter is 50 mm and the height 100 mm, resulting in a height to diameter ratio of 2. In most triaxial and unconfined compression test, the ratio should be higher than 2.5 to reduce the end effects. As shown in Figure 10, part d), the shear plane did not cut through the sample from sides, which may have impacted the results. The authors need to explain that why they made such choice and what may be the influence on the test results.

Author Response

Please refer to the attached.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper presents the results of an experimental study focused on the mechanical properties of cemented soil based on unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests and triaxial tests. The effect of the cement content, curing time and confining pressure on the compressive and shear behaviour of cemented soil are analysed based on the test results. The following issues should be considered to be addressed before being accepted for publication:

 

R1.1: Line 65-66: In general, the consolidation and undrained test is used to define the effective shear index of cemented soil. However, the unconsolidated undrained test of cemented soil is conducted in this research. Please explain the reason.

 

R1.2: Line 76: The reviewer has never seen soft soil with such poor properties at present, and the internal friction angle is only 6°. I hope the author can confirm the correctness of this parameter.

 

R1.3: Line 78-79: The cemented soil samples in this test was made by mixing dry soil, water and cement, but it would better simulate the engineering properties of cemented soil by injecting cement slurry into soft clay. The two sample preparation methods have an impact on the test results. Why do the author use this method to make samples?

 

R1.4: Line 86-87: The cemented soil samples were cured in the curing room with humidity of above 95%. Why did the author put them in water for curing during the test? Cemented soils are generally not exposed to such conditions at the engineering site.

 

R1.5: Line 96-97: The unconfined compressive strength of cemented soil is generally tested by cube specimens. The cylindrical cemented soil samples were adopted in this research, please explain the reason.

 

Author Response

Please refer to the attached.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx