Abstract: The consolidation of soft soil with partially penetrated vertical drains under single-drainage condition was studied,and an analytical solution was obtained assuming a virtual drain beneath the tip of actual one.This solution took consideration of three-dimensional seepage existed in the soil under vertical drains and thus was the best approach so far to actual situation.Corresponding computer program was developed and the consolidation behavior of soft soil with partially penetrated vertical drains was investigated.Moreover,based on the solution,the relevant approximate methods so far available were compared and discussed.