Although Terzaghi's theory is widely used to analyse one-dimensional consolidation, it is based on a number of simplified assumptions whose effects cannot be determined easily.
　In this report a numerical analysis of one-dimensional consolidation is developed by using the finite element method to take into account time-dependent loading, large strains, nonlinear time-dependent stress strain relationships, layered soil deposits and other such phenomena.
　The effects of simplified assumptions of Terzaghi's theory are examined by comparing classical analyses with numerical ones. It is shown that the effect of layered soil strata is significant in predicting the rate of consolidation.
　Finally, classical and numerical analyses were compared for a field problem. Although the classical analysis significantly underestimated the rate of settlements, the numerical results agreed favourably with the measured settlements. The changes of water contents and undrained shear strength due to consolidation were predicted by the numerical method. It is shown that predicted decrease of water contents agreed favourably with the observed one, whereas numerical results overestimated the increase of the undrained shear strength.