It is the key to design reasonably how to decide the size and distribution of loads on the underground structure in “action-reaction” model. For shallow tunnel in soft stratum
the vertical earth pressure is the whole weight above tunnel. But for deep-seated tunnel
it is decided by proposed formula in code
Terzaghi theory or M. M. Promojiyfakonov theory. It is a significant task to further study because of the question for choosing these formulas. Based on the size
the depth and the stratum of the lines No 4
No 5 and No 10 of Beijing metro tunnel
safety factors of standard sections are analyzed using ordinary overburden pressure theory. The calculation method of vertical earth pressure is presented. Not only it is fit for Beijing metro tunnel
but can be as reference for similar metro tunnel and city underground engineering.