Abstract
Model tests have been carried out using an apparatus with several trap doors, to examine an earth pressure distribution patterns during shield driving execution and the redistribution by the succeeding chang of load conditions. The present paper describes the load distribution on lowering trap doors measured by the apparatus with more load cells than before, to get more detailed distribution pattern on one door and the load distribution by surface loading after lowering a trap door. The typical arching pattern of load and the load concentration on the area adjacent to the lowered trap door have been obtained. The analytical results by FEM may explain the test results qualitatively.
