For different initial heights and solids concentration of flocculated calcium carbonate suspensions in the compression range, the variations of the subsidence rates are discussed in accordance with the Michaels and Bolger method. A mathematical model based on the consolidation theory has been applied to generalize the Michaels and Bolger method, and to discuss the relationships between the permeability, the effective pressure and the solids concentration. In accordance with this model and the experimental results, it is deduced that the relationship between the effective pressure and the solids concentration differs considerably from that obtained by other methods, whereas the values of permeability for different solids concentration are close to those deduced by different methods.