-->PONE-D-25-24746-->-->Integrated UAV Photogrammetry and SMRM Constitutive Modeling for Spatial Stability Assessment of Layered Rock Slopes-->-->PLOS ONE

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PLOS ONE

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-->Comments to the Author

1. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The manuscript must describe a technically sound piece of scientific research with data that supports the conclusions. Experiments must have been conducted rigorously, with appropriate controls, replication, and sample sizes. The conclusions must be drawn appropriately based on the data presented. -->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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-->2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously? -->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

-->3. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

The PLOS Data policy requires authors to make all data underlying the findings described in their manuscript fully available without restriction, with rare exception (please refer to the Data Availability Statement in the manuscript PDF file). The data should be provided as part of the manuscript or its supporting information, or deposited to a public repository. For example, in addition to summary statistics, the data points behind means, medians and variance measures should be available. If there are restrictions on publicly sharing data—e.g. participant privacy or use of data from a third party—those must be specified.-->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

**********

-->4. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

PLOS ONE does not copyedit accepted manuscripts, so the language in submitted articles must be clear, correct, and unambiguous. Any typographical or grammatical errors should be corrected at revision, so please note any specific errors here.-->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

Reviewer #3: Yes

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-->5. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)-->

Reviewer #1: 1.The existing charts have the problem of missing annotations, which may affect the readability and rigor of the data. As shown in Figure 8 (MC model displacement cloud diagram) and Figure 9 (SMRM model displacement cloud diagram), a scale and coordinate axis labels need to be added to clearly define the range of displacement values.

2. In Section 5.3, the study only mentioned the consistency between the simulation results and the inclination Angle of the structural plane, but lacked the support of measured data. It is necessary to strengthen the argumentation logic of "model validity". It is suggested that the author supplement the comparison between the on-site monitoring data and the numerical simulation results (such as the difference between the measured values and the simulated values of the displacement monitoring points) to verify the reliability of the model.

3.Provide a brief overview of the relevant background information. Some papers can be beneficial in the introduction. Development rule of ground fissure and mine ground pressure in shallow burial and thin bedrock mining area. Disaster-causing mechanism of spalling rock burst based on folding catastrophe model in coal mine

4. In Section 4.2, the current comparative analysis is not in-depth enough, and readers may have difficulty understanding the innovation of the SMRM model and its unique advantages in slope stability analysis. It is suggested that the author further explain the core differences between the SMRM model and traditional constitutive models (such as Mohr-Coulomb), especially how to quantify the anisotropy of rock mass through statistical mechanics theory.

5. Some references are not formatted properly. For instance, in reference 21, "841051" requires the author to explain the specific meaning of "841051".

Reviewer #2: 1. It is recommended to provide a detailed explanation of the theoretical foundation of the "SMRM constitutive model," including the definition of key parameters and its differences from conventional constitutive models, to enhance the rationale and innovation of model selection.

2. In the UAV point cloud data processing section, it is suggested to supplement information on acquisition accuracy (such as resolution, flight altitude, and overlap ratio) and error control methods to further clarify the impact of modeling quality on subsequent numerical analysis.

3. While the CC-Griddle-Flac3D coupled modeling process is efficient, it is advisable to provide a detailed presentation of the mesh partitioning strategy, element types, boundary condition settings, and other technical details to enhance model reproducibility.

4. It is recommended to further explain the calculation methods and physical significance of various rock mass indicators (such as Δσ₃ and failure probability) in the SMRM model, and systematically compare them with field observations.

5. The abstract of the article needs to be revised, and the importance of the article should be highlighted. The background and mechanism are not introduced clearly. Mechanical behavior and fracture mechanism of high-temperature granite cooled with liquid nitrogen for geothermal reservoir applications. Physics of Fluids, Brittleness evaluation of gas-bearing coal based on statistical damage constitution model and energy evolution mechanism. Journal of Central South University

6. In the conclusion section, it is recommended to further emphasize the applicability boundaries and limitations of the method, explaining whether it is suitable for different types of rock masses and various structure-controlled slope engineering conditions, while also proposing future optimization directions.

Reviewer #3: The study presents a integrated framework combining UAV photogrammetry, 3D numerical modeling (FLAC3D), and the SMRM constitutive model for layered rock slope stability analysis. While the methodological workflow is validated, the discussion would benefit from a brief comparative analysis with alternative approaches to contextualize its advantages.

1. How do the SMRM-based results compare to those from discrete element methods or finite eleent methods in handling structural discontinuities?

2. Could machine learning-assisted approaches offer complementary insights to the purely physics-based SMRM model?

3. While displacement alignment is promising, how might the accuracy/efficiency trade-offs compare to traditional inclinometer or LiDAR-based monitoring?

**********

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

Reviewer #3: No

**********

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-->PONE-D-25-24746R1-->-->Integrated UAV Photogrammetry and SMRM Constitutive Modeling for Spatial Stability Assessment of Layered Rock Slopes-->-->PLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Wu,

Thank you for submitting your manuscript to PLOS ONE. After careful consideration, we feel that it has merit but does not fully meet PLOS ONE’s publication criteria as it currently stands. Therefore, we invite you to submit a revised version of the manuscript that addresses the points raised during the review process.

==============================

The manuscript must be corrected in all points indicated by the reviewers, such as:

1) Fig.1b/Fig.2C: The image resolution is insufficient.

2) Numerical calculations are based on the actual slope topography. Since the area has dense vegetation, please specify whether vegetation removal was performed during point cloud processing.

3) The modeling process description in Section 3 is overly detailed. It is recommended to use a flowchart for illustration.

4) The meaning of Em1111 in Formula 3 is unclear.

5) The grouping in Figures 4 and 5 lacks annotations.

6) In Table 1, the unit for tensile strength is incorrect.

7) Line 372: The expression "The bedding orientation is 332°∠24°" is unclear.

8) For Table 2, please clarify whether the structural surfaces are simulated using standard contact models. If so, provide specific parameters and value determination methods.

9) Regarding the displacement nephograms in Figures 8 and 9, please specify: a) What processing they are based on. b) The cause of displacement generation.

==============================

Please submit your revised manuscript by Dec 31 2025 11:59PM. If you will need more time than this to complete your revisions, please reply to this message or contact the journal office at plosone@plos.org . When you're ready to submit your revision, log on to https://www.editorialmanager.com/pone/ and select the 'Submissions Needing Revision' folder to locate your manuscript file.

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-->If you would like to make changes to your financial disclosure, please include your updated statement in your cover letter. Guidelines for resubmitting your figure files are available below the reviewer comments at the end of this letter.

If applicable, we recommend that you deposit your laboratory protocols in protocols.io to enhance the reproducibility of your results. Protocols.io assigns your protocol its own identifier (DOI) so that it can be cited independently in the future. For instructions see: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/s/submission-guidelines#loc-laboratory-protocols . Additionally, PLOS ONE offers an option for publishing peer-reviewed Lab Protocol articles, which describe protocols hosted on protocols.io. Read more information on sharing protocols at https://plos.org/protocols?utm_medium=editorial-email&utm_source=authorletters&utm_campaign=protocols .

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Claudionor Ribeiro da Silva

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

-->Comments to the Author

1. If the authors have adequately addressed your comments raised in a previous round of review and you feel that this manuscript is now acceptable for publication, you may indicate that here to bypass the “Comments to the Author” section, enter your conflict of interest statement in the “Confidential to Editor” section, and submit your "Accept" recommendation.-->

Reviewer #1: All comments have been addressed

Reviewer #4: All comments have been addressed

**********

-->2. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The manuscript must describe a technically sound piece of scientific research with data that supports the conclusions. Experiments must have been conducted rigorously, with appropriate controls, replication, and sample sizes. The conclusions must be drawn appropriately based on the data presented. -->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: Yes

**********

-->3. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously? -->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: N/A

**********

-->4. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

The PLOS Data policy requires authors to make all data underlying the findings described in their manuscript fully available without restriction, with rare exception (please refer to the Data Availability Statement in the manuscript PDF file). The data should be provided as part of the manuscript or its supporting information, or deposited to a public repository. For example, in addition to summary statistics, the data points behind means, medians and variance measures should be available. If there are restrictions on publicly sharing data—e.g. participant privacy or use of data from a third party—those must be specified.-->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: Yes

**********

-->5. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

PLOS ONE does not copyedit accepted manuscripts, so the language in submitted articles must be clear, correct, and unambiguous. Any typographical or grammatical errors should be corrected at revision, so please note any specific errors here.-->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: Yes

**********

-->6. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)-->

Reviewer #1: This method enhances the spatial visualization of rock mass parameters, enabling targeted reinforcement strategies. The study provides a validated technical pathway for rapid slope stability evaluation in geologically complex regions, supporting data-driven disaster prevention decisions.

Reviewer #4:  Fig.1b/Fig.2C: The image resolution is insufficient.

Numerical calculations are based on the actual slope topography. Since the area has dense vegetation, please specify whether vegetation removal was performed during point cloud processing.

The modeling process description in Section 3 is overly detailed. It is recommended to use a flowchart for illustration.

The meaning of Em1111 in Formula 3 is unclear.

The grouping in Figures 4 and 5 lacks annotations.

In Table 1, the unit for tensile strength is incorrect.

Line 372: The expression "The bedding orientation is 332°∠24°" is unclear.

For Table 2, please clarify whether the structural surfaces are simulated using standard contact models. If so, provide specific parameters and value determination methods.

Regarding the displacement nephograms in Figures 8 and 9, please specify:

a) What processing they are based on.

b) The cause of displacement generation.

**********

-->7. PLOS authors have the option to publish the peer review history of their article (what does this mean? ). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

If you choose “no”, your identity will remain anonymous but your review may still be made public.

Do you want your identity to be public for this peer review? For information about this choice, including consent withdrawal, please see our Privacy Policy .-->

Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #4: No

**********

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NAAS will assess whether your figures meet our technical requirements by comparing each figure against our figure specifications.

-->

Integrated UAV Photogrammetry and SMRM Constitutive Modeling for Spatial Stability Assessment of Layered Rock Slopes

PONE-D-25-24746R2

Dear Dr. Wu,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

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Kind regards,

Claudionor Ribeiro da Silva

Academic Editor

PLOS One

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

-->Comments to the Author

1. If the authors have adequately addressed your comments raised in a previous round of review and you feel that this manuscript is now acceptable for publication, you may indicate that here to bypass the “Comments to the Author” section, enter your conflict of interest statement in the “Confidential to Editor” section, and submit your "Accept" recommendation.-->

Reviewer #1: All comments have been addressed

Reviewer #4: All comments have been addressed

**********

-->2. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The manuscript must describe a technically sound piece of scientific research with data that supports the conclusions. Experiments must have been conducted rigorously, with appropriate controls, replication, and sample sizes. The conclusions must be drawn appropriately based on the data presented. -->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: Yes

**********

-->3. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously? -->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: Yes

**********

-->4. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

The PLOS Data policy requires authors to make all data underlying the findings described in their manuscript fully available without restriction, with rare exception (please refer to the Data Availability Statement in the manuscript PDF file). The data should be provided as part of the manuscript or its supporting information, or deposited to a public repository. For example, in addition to summary statistics, the data points behind means, medians and variance measures should be available. If there are restrictions on publicly sharing data—e.g. participant privacy or use of data from a third party—those must be specified.-->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: Yes

**********

-->5. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

PLOS ONE does not copyedit accepted manuscripts, so the language in submitted articles must be clear, correct, and unambiguous. Any typographical or grammatical errors should be corrected at revision, so please note any specific errors here.-->

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #4: Yes

**********

-->6. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)-->

Reviewer #1: Layered rock slopes with structural discontinuities pose significant challenges for stability assessment under complex geological conditions. This study presents an integrated approach combining unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, 3D numerical modeling, and the Statistical Mechanics of Rock Masses (SMRM) constitutive model to evaluate slope stability.

It can be accepted.

Reviewer #4: (No Response)

**********

-->7. PLOS authors have the option to publish the peer review history of their article (what does this mean? ). If published, this will include your full peer review and any attached files.

If you choose “no”, your identity will remain anonymous but your review may still be made public.

Do you want your identity to be public for this peer review? For information about this choice, including consent withdrawal, please see our Privacy Policy .-->

Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #4: No

**********