Abstract: Based on the fundamental principles of nonlinear continuum mechanics, the one dimensional large strain consolidation equations are derived with the displacement as their variable by the material and spatial descriptions respectively. An approximate analytic solution of large strain consolidation equation by material description is obtained. The e-σ′ curve is introduced to define the modulus of compressibility into the program of nonlinear large strain consolidation analysis by FEM, and the change in permeability is also considered. The developments of the settlement, excess pore pressure and degree of consolidation in the process of consolidation are analyzed by different computational models, and the computed results of settlement are compared with that obtained by the approximate analytic solution. The results of the FEM are in good agreement with the approximate analytic solution. According to the computed results of the FEM and approximate analytic solution, the ratio of applied loading and elastic modulus, q/E is proposed to determine whether the large strain analysis is necessary.