Terzaghi s (1943) empirical method for calculating primary consolidation settlement due to ramp loading is compared with two methods proposed in this research: the first one, based on changing the fraction of time in which each loading increment is applied instantly, and the second keeping Terzaghi s initial proposal (1943), but making reductions in the average degree of consolidation for the construction period and determining new fractions of time for the post-construction period. The results show that with the hypothesis of time fractions, the difference between the values of the average degree of consolidation determined by the theoretical and empirical curves varies between 1.50 percent to 3.50 percent, depending on the initial conditions of excess poropressure. The second method is even more accurate with both curves practically overlapping. Additionally, two other alternative solutions are investigated considering step and discretized loadings. A rigorous mathematical solution is also presented to represent the consolidation problem with vertical drains, considering the hypothesis of free deformations. A comparison with the solution proposed by Olson (1977), based on the concept of equal deformations, shows that the hypothesis of equal deformations underestimates the average degree of consolidation between 1.15 percent to 4.84 percent, and this difference tends to decrease for long construction periods. Finally, solutions for the vertical and radial flow combined is also obtained, considering the hypothesis of free deformations and the formulation proposed by Carrillo (1942).