Based on a loading model for shield tunneling and the concept of gap parameter
the mechanism and a prediction method of shield tunneling-induced ground movements are introduced. The offsets of a tunnel shield from its design axis are the main cause for ground movements. Identification of the gap parameter is one of the most important steps when using an analytical method. A semi-empirical and semi-analytical approach is proposed; and as a case study of shield tunneling
the field-observed and the theoretically predicted ground movements are comparatively analyzed.