The governing equations of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical consolidation for a homogeneous isotropic saturated porous medium are given firstly. The physical meanings of every coupling term are analyzed. Based on both Biot’s consolidation theory under isothermal conditions and thermo-mechanical theory under isobaric conditions
the physical meanings of coupling coefficients and their expression equations are given. The studies show that some coupling coefficients are same in their function formations completely; and the governing equations can be simplified greatly. For this
some simplified governing equations for some typical condition in engineering are given. As an example
thermo-hydro-mechanical characteristics are discussed for the problem of infinite saturated porous medium subjected to a global heat source of variable strength with time. The effects of some coupling terms are analyzed comparatively.