In this study, the consolidation behavior of clayey ground improved by vertical drain method was analyzed by the finite difference method based on the three-dimensional elasto-viscous consolidation theory, which can express the behavior of the secondary consolidation without considering the distinction of the normally consolidated and overconsolidated states. And the applicability of the elasto-viscous consolidation theory was discussed by comparing with the test results obtained from the model test of ground improved by vertical drain system. From these results, it is found that the amount of the settlement when the excess pore water pressure almost dissipated in the clay ground with vertical drains became smaller than that of the one-dimensional condition, and then the amount and rate of the residual settlement at secondary consolidation process became larger than those of the one-dimensional condition. finally, the effect of soil parameter on behavior of consolidation process was investigated by the results of a series of numerical analysis for the normalized and overconsoldiated states.