Abstract
Tunnel loading experiment was executed to investigate the effect of lining rigidity. A loading device was made to observe the interaction between tunnel lining and the surrounding ground. The surrounding ground is modelled by steel rod layer. The vertical load is supported by both lining and surrounding ground. Large bending moment is arised in case of rigid lining under the stiff ground condition. In such a case the flexible lining is preferable to utilize the surrounding ground strength.
