Abstract：The new numerical method based on element-free Galerkin method (EFGM) and finite element method (FEM) is a promising method to solve the consolidation problem by using element background mesh and shape function from the moving least square approximation. And it may also produce some numerical errors in solving the consolidation equation. In this paper，the FEM-EFGM coupling method is developed and numerically implemented. An error inequality formula for EFGM is presented for consolidation problem based on the Terzaghi’s theory. Then，some influence factors are discussed to reduce the oscillatory errors in EFGM calculation，such as the time factor，the influence of domain and the integral cell structure. In the end，through numerical experiments of the model of two-dimensional stripe foundation，the effect of the integral refined degree of cell structure is validated on both accuracy and stability of the initial pore-pressure in solving the consolidation equation with EFGM. The work of the paper will help to enhance the possibility of the application of EFGM to geotechnical engineering and also provide a new numerical analysis tool for solving the solid-fluid coupling problem.
