Abstract Studies in recent decades demonstrate the significant effect of stress configuration (e.g., vertical and lateral confinement) on shear strength or, this study, cone penetration test (CPT) results. Addition a surcharge over ground changes condition, consequently, CPT tip resistance. In results different CPTs conducted before after backfilling with various thicknesses land development pr...

A system of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) with a surcharge load is an effective method for accelerating soil consolidation by promoting radial flow. This study presents a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model for soft soil improved by a single drain. In the finite element analysis, the actual rectangular PVD cross-section is considered, and the equivalent drain diameter is then bac...

A system of vertical drains with combined vacuum and surcharge preloading is an effective solution for promoting radial flow, accelerating consolidation. However, when a mixture of soil and water is deposited at a low initial density, a significant amount of deformation or surface settlement occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce large-strain theory, which has been widely used to manag...

In this article, we survey the recent theoretical literature on payment cards and study their implications for public policy. Payment card networks have faced regulatory scrutiny in several countries regarding the setting of various fees including interchange fees—fees paid by the merchant’s financial institution to the cardholder’s financial institution. In addition, other common payment pract...

This study explores the feasibility of implementing a sustainable funding mechanism for ocean and coastal management in Jamaica. Results show that tourists are more willing to pay for an ‘‘environmental tax’’ than a general ‘‘tourism development tax’’. The study found that an environmental surcharge of US$2 per person could generate $3.4M per year for management with 0.2% rate of decline in tou...