Abstract: This paper discussed the influence of the bound water on the consolidation and creep behavior of saturated soft soil using the method combined the macroscopic mechanical behavior with quantitative analysis of the microstructure. First, measurement techniques such as SEM, mercury injection and the maximum amount of water absorption were applied to test the pore grading of the soft soil under different load levels, and the variation of the microstructure in the consolidation deformation process of the silt soil was quantitatively analyzed. It is found that a gradual loose of structural strength and discharge of different types of pore water occur in this process. The free water and bound water in the pore of the soft soil were divided. Then, the high pressure consolidation test reveals that there are two distinct phases during the consolidation process. The former is mainly concerned with the free water, whereas the latter has a close relationship with the behavior of the bound water. The correlation between the coefficient of viscosity and the thickness of water film in the soft soil was analyzed based on the creep test.