Consolidation provides an estimation of the settlement rate and amount that any particular soil has undergone. An experimental examination has been performed on two separate combinations of horizontal layers to investigate its effects on the characteristics of consolidation settlement by 3D consolidation apparatus allowing only drainage of pore water from all six sides under a nominal surcharge pressure of 20 kPa. A comparison is established between the results of the two different layer combinations and the condition having the highest consolidation characteristics is determined. The layered arrangement significantly influences surface settlement and the rate of settlement. Different soils having different permeability affect the consolidation of the total soil mass. The compression index and the co-efficient of consolidation corresponding to various vertical stresses are also affected. The compressibility of individual layers under the loading area beneath the loading plate significantly impacts the compression index of horizontally stratified soil. By shifting the placements of horizontal soil layers beneath the loading region, it has been noticed that the compression index and co-efficient of consolidation have altered. The current study is helpful for soil conditions when there is soft, saturated clayey soil.