To further investigate the two-dimensional consolidation mechanism of elastic saturated clay layers

Hansbo’s equation is introduced to describe the non-Darcy flow in the consolidation process. Accordingly

Biot’s two-dimensional consolidation equations are modified

and their numerical analyses are conducted by the finite element method based on the weighted residual method. In order to verify its validity

the numerical solution by the present method for the one-dimensional consolidation theory with the non-Darcy flow is compared with that by the finite volume method in literature. The effects of the parameters of Hansbo’s flow on the two-dimensional consolidation process are investigated. Numerical results indicate that the behaviour of Hansbo’s flow amplifies the Mandel-Cryer effect in the early phase of consolidation

that is

the peak value of pore water pressure based on Hansbo’s flow is greater than that based on the Darcy flow

while it needs more time to reach its peak based on Hansbo’s flow. Then Hansbo’s flow delays the dissipation of pore water pressure in the entire soil layers in the middle and later phase of consolidation

thereby hinders the development of settlement. The aforementioned effects on consolidation are more remarkable with the increase of Hansbo’s flow parameters.