Based on exponential flow law in soil

the governing equation of one-dimensional consolidation of double-layered soil considering time-dependent external loading is obtained. The finite difference method is adopted to obtain the numerical solution of excess pore water pressure; and then the reliability of numerical solution is verified by comparing numerical results with analytical results. Finally

consolidation behavior of double-layered soil with exponential flow law under various parameters is analyzed. The results show that the value of exponent in the upper layer largely determines the rate of consolidation

and that in the lower soil layer hardly influences the rate of consolidation in the case of single surface drainage. When compressibility of the upper soil layer is not equal to that of the lower soil layer

the average degree in terms of deformation can be not same as that in terms of pore pressure. The lower the relative compressibility

and the larger the relative permeability between the lower soil layer and the upper soil layer

the faster the rate of consolidation of double-layered soil. The rate of consolidation increases with increasing the relative thickness of soil layer with low-compressibility and high-permeability.