Abstract：The differential governing equations for the consolidation of composite ground with granular columns are established，which can consider the gradual variation of horizontal permeability coefficient of soft soil in a drainage influential zone caused by disturbance during granular column construction. Accordingly，the general analytical solution for the problem is obtained. Based on the complexity of the influence of piling disturbance on horizontal permeability coefficient of soft soil in a smeared zone，the soil permeability changes continuously in a drainage influence zone；and it is only a special case that the soil around a column is usually divided into smeared and undisturbed zones with constant horizontal permeability coefficients in the conventional consolidation theory of composite ground. And thus，the three special cases for the horizontal permeability coefficient distribution with radial distance are presented；and the corresponding particular solution is given. According to the analytical solutions，the relevant programs are coded. The influence of a few major factors on the consolidation course of composite ground is investigated；and the results are prepared in graph forms. Therefore，the influence of the permeability change on the consolidation behaviors of composite ground with granular columns is analyzed. It is shown that the influence of the permeability variation on the consolidation of composite ground is significant；and the greater the disturbance caused by granular column installation is，the slower the consolidation is. The result of the consolidation theory of composite ground with granular columns considering horizontal permeability change is more reasonable than those of the existing consolidation theories for composite grounds.
