Variation of seepage free surface with time is analyzed by finite element method that can perform the coupled analysis of soil mass deformation and pore water pressure dissipation,and the influence of variation of seepage free surface on excess pore water pressure,soil water potential and foundation pit deformations are also further investigated.It is indicated that excess pore water pressure and soil water potential will decrease when variation of seepage free surface outside the foundation pit is considered.Variation of seepage free surface causes the decrease of water pressure and the increase of effective stress outside the foundation pit,and also causes the decrease of the water head difference between the inside and outside of the foundation pit,and thus further results in the decrease of retaining structure horizontal displacement and pit base heave and the increase of ground surface settlement.