The Approachability Ideal Without a Maximal Set

Abstract

We develop a forcing poset with finite conditions which adds a partial square sequence on a given stationary set, with adequate sets of models as side conditions. We then develop a kind of side condition product forcing for simultaneously adding partial square sequences on multiple stationary sets. We show that certain quotients of such forcings have the ${\omega }_1$-approximation property. We apply these ideas to prove, assuming the consistency of a greatly Mahlo cardinal, that it is consistent that the approachability ideal $I[{\omega }_2]$ does not have a maximal set modulo clubs.