Abstract: A tubbing-type tunnel lining, which comprises a plurality of tubbing rings, each of which consists of an even number of tubbing blocks, which are similar or identical and have a trapezium-shaped or trapezoidal or diamond basic shape and are so arranged that the joints between adjacent rings are defined by the end faces of said blocks and are connected together by plug-connections, which permit a restricted transmission of shear forces, and in each ring are connected at inclined longitudinal gaps by key-groove connections consisting of continuous longitudinal grooves in inclined longitudinal side faces and keys inserted therein.

Abstract: A tunnel wall with a lining is comprised of substantially trapeze- or trapezoid-shaped tubbing stones (8-13), which are at least similar and complement each other in an even number to form a respective tubbing ring (7), the tubbing stones being held together at their end faces (14, 15) defining the annular gap after mounting by dowel-like plug connections permitting a limited transfer of shearing forces and along the oblique longitudinal gaps (16) by groove-spring connections consisting of springs (18) inserted into longitudinal grooves (17) extending along the oblique longitudinal sides.

Abstract: A new combination of means and method steps is used in a method of constructing long tunnels with a lining, wherein excavation is effected with a tunnel boring machine (1) with a yielding shield mantle (4), building is effected continuously under the protection of the shield tail in a modular construction with tubbing stones of a special form complementing each other to form tubbing rings (15) while, until a new equilibrium of the rock formation is reached, occurring deformation forces are absorbed by the shield tail (4) and the tubbing rings which are yieldingly constructed to a limited degree, an outer seal of the tubes is provided and the gap between the excavation (2) and the tunnel tubes is filled with a material (22) which may be yielding to a limited extent to absorb long-time deformation forces. A tunnel construction made by the method, special forms of tubbing stones and new embodiments of drive means for the tunnel are disclosed.