The proposed research will investigate whether or not effective stress finite element analyses can provide a rational basis for deciding when staged construction can safely proceed. It will use the case history of the project Terminal Portuario de Sergipe (TPS) in Brazil to focus on two principal questions: 1. can two- dimensional consolidation explain large increases in lateral deformation with time, as opposed to undrained creep; and 2. is a very advanced but complex model of clay behavior required (having anisotropy, non-linearity within yield surface, etc.), or will the very simple Modified Cam Clay Model suffice? The research is considered high risk based on past experience with using effective stress models to analyze foundation problems.
