In order to study the creep properties of soft soil
a 1-D consolidation–creep test has been completed. The creep properties are summed up from the test results. The effect of the secondary consolidation on the consolidation process is analyzed by the parameter Cα/Δe100 Taking the saturated soft clay as viscoelastic body
a new method of separation of the secondary consolidation and primary consolidation is proposed. The method can also be used by the data collected at the field. Some interesting conclusions concerning the effect of secondary consolidation are drawn from the test results.