This work has focused on the geotechnical characterization of a soft clay deposit in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro. In this area, a large embankment of approximately 500.000m2 was executed for implantation of Rio Polimeros Industry. An extensive laboratory program was carried out on undisturbed samples, extracted from the soft clay layer before embankment construction. The geotechnical investigation consisted of characterization tests, conventional (SIC) and controlled deformation (CRS) consolidation tests, and drained and undrained triaxial tests. CRS tests were carried out under different deformation velocities, in order to evaluate its influence on compressibility parameters and on consolidation rates. An additional CRS test was also performed using a disturbed sample. The geotechnical parameters were analysed and revealed a resonable agreement with the results reported in the literature, for the Baixada Fluminense soft clay deposit. The strain rate of CRS tests has a significant influence on compressibility parameters. However, the results still remain within the range of experimental data, avaliable for the soft clay deposit of Baixada Fluminense. It is worthwile to notice that a limited range of velocities was used in this research. The sample disturbance resulted in a reduction of both compressibility parameters (cr, cc) and coefficient of consolidation.