This research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of reinforcement for nearly saturated soft clay compaction. The effectiveness was investigated by roller compaction test using nearly saturated clay specimens. The nearly saturated condition was obtained by submerging clay in the water for 12 hours. High water content specimens were compacted in plane strain condition by a steel roller. A specimen was compacted by four 5 cm horizontal layers. Specimens were prepared fur both reinforced and unreinforced cases to evaluate the effectiveness of reinforcement. Used reinforcement is a composite consisted of both woven and non-woven geotextile. The composite usually provides drainage and tensile reinforcement to hi인 water-contented clay so that it increases bearing capacity. Therefore, large compaction load can be applied to reinforced clay and it achieves higher density effectively. The reinforcement also increases compaction efficiency because it reduces the ratio between shear and vertical forces during compaction process. The maximum vertical stress on the base of specimen usually decreased with higher compaction thickness. The reinforcement increases soil stiffness under the compaction roller and it initiates stress concentration. As a result, it maintains higher vertical stress level on the base of specimen that provides better compaction characteristics. Based on test results, it can be concluded that the reinforcement is essential to achieve effective compaction on soft clay.