Abstract
Earth pressures acting on lining of a shield tunnel considerably vary with construction processes such as stress conditions around excavation face and grouting conditions. Precise simulation of the construction process is of essence to examine the pressure development around the lining in a model test. This paper describes the development of a miniature shield machine introduced by high mechatoronics and control technology which can operate under high centrifugal accelerations, simulating the detailed construction processes of shield advancing and tail void formation. The initial set of data demonstrates the significant influence of the construction processes on the final stress distribution around the lining.
