Abstract: Based on the three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model, the applying method for simulating shield tunneling and transverse force at tunnel face is modified. And the advancement process of shield tunnel is modeled by the transferring stiffness of the established elements and the gap caused by tail void are substituted by ‘equivalent circle zone’. The proposed modeling techniques are applied to simulate a tunneling project. The distributions of soil displacement on the ground surface associated with the advancement process of shield tunnel are analyzed. According to the comparisons of numerical results with field measurements, the proposed numerical procedure is found to be an effective approach for predicting the deformation dun to shield tunneling.