Abstract: In this paper a singularly perturbed linear second order hyperbolic problem with zeroth order reduced equation is discussed. Firstly, an energy inequality of the solution and an estimate of the remainder term of the asymptotic solution are given. Then an exponentially fitted difference scheme is developed in an equidistant mesh. Finally, uniform convergence in small parameter is proved in the sense of discrete energy norm.

Key words: one-dimensional consolidation, unsaturated soils, excess pore-water pressure, excess pore-air pressure, semi-analytical solution