A procedure is proposed for determination of the creep rate and creep deformation at any time from results of short-term tests of the single-plane shear or uniaxial crushing of semi-hard and hard clays. Calculations performed from proposed formulas indicated completely satisfactory convergence of creep parameters with parameters observed in long-term tests. This enables us to recommend these calculations for the design and construction of appropriate structures. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2005.