The variations of five mechanical conditions such as the surface settlements
the displacement at vault of tunnels
the distribution of plastic zone of surrounding loess
the moment distribution of lining element and the total strain energy of surrounding loess are studied under three kinds of lining procedure with two different tunnel constructions
which is sequential excavation with a central heading and with a lateral heading. The results show that the sequential excavation with a lateral heading
which can decrease the amount of displacement at the vault of tunnels and of the maximal surface settlement and of the plastic zone of surrounding loess
is more preferable than that with a central heading. The tunnel lining in delayed construction compared with that in immediate construction is more favorable to enhance the stability of loess tunnel. It is shown that the analytical results are helpful for the design and construction of loess tunnels.