Extensive laboratory tests and field observations show that soft clay exhibits long-term deformation. For further understanding of the creep characteristics of soft clay

the mechanism of creep is first discussed from the microscopic physicochemical viewpoint. Then

the evolution of second compression coefficient and its determination under 1D condition

triaxial creep characteristics under drained and undrained conditions

long-term shear strength

and the creep characteristics under complex stress conditions are analyzed. The relevance of creep characteristics to strain-rate and strain relaxation characteristics under both 1D and 3D conditions is discussed. Finally

some new development of the creep characteristics of soft clay are presented in three aspects: the relevance of second compression coefficient to microstructure

accurate description of nonlinear creep

and the stress-dilatancy during drained and undrained creep.