ABSTRACT
The development of advanced numerical techniques, especially two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element analysis, has greatly enhanced our ability to model complex geotechnical problems. These advanced techniques, however, offer a number of challenges including: evaluating the effects of numerical error and instability; the time for setup, verification, and execution; and, computer memory requirements. Traditional models, such as one-dimensional consolidation theory offer the advantage of simplicity, although they are severely limited in their ability to model complex situations.
