Based on the superposition principle and three-dimensional consolidation theory

and considering time dependent loading condition

analytical solutions to calculate the consolidation degree of the subsoil section with sand wells and the underlying stratum under the condition of single grade linear loading were obtained

from which the average consolidation degree of ground was derived. Then

the calculation program by using Matlab and fzero functions was worked out to conduct the comparative analysis of engineering examples; it is shown that under the influence of loading duration

consolidation degrees of both the section with sand wells and the underlying section decrease compared to that under instantaneous loading; and this decrease extent will increase along with the extending of loading duration. Furthermore

more reasonable agreement between the calculated and measured consolidation degrees will be obtained when the consolidation of the underlying subsoil was treated as three-dimensional problem rather than one-dimensional problem

as the radial seepage could be simulated.