This case record describes the performance of two test embankments constructed over a soft compressible clay, one with prefabricated vertical drains and one without. The measured settlements were significantly different from the predicted settlements, and the pore-water pressures were inconsistent with the observed consolidation. The observed performance of the vertical drains is compared with theoretical predictions to assess the sensitivity of the predicted rate of consolidation to input parameters.Key words: case record, consolidation, field observations, prefabricated vertical drains, wick drains, preloading, settlements, test embankments.