Abstract: A general analytical solution is given to the consolidation problem for the composite ground with granular columns under time-dependent loading and arbitrary variation of horizontal permeability coefficient in the soil of drain influence zone with radial distance.Based on the solution,the consolidation behavior of the composite ground is discussed.It is shown that the consolidation process of the composite ground is much more affected by both horizontal permeability coefficient and loading rate.The faster the loading rate is,the faster the consolidation is,and the one under instantaneous loading the fastest.The slower the loading is,the less the effect of n,s and ks/kh on the consolidation process of the composite ground with granular columns is.