Abstract: Shield tunneling in gravel formation encounters many problems such as design of dimension and rate of opening in cutter face, positioning, material and cost of cutter bits. In general, we should not expect to drill a long distance with single size or rate of opening. It is necessary to modify according to the change of actual geological condition. Obviously, positioning and material of cutter bits relate with drilling cost and drilling efficiency to a certain extent. This paper intends to discuss, depending on actual records and analysis of long distance shield tunneling in gravel formation, the suitability of the dimension and rate of opening of cutter face. In addition, plots and tables will be showed to describe the cutter bit wear measured on site. The results and key factors inrelated are deemed valuable for reference in design and construction in the future

Key words: shield tunnel, gravel, cutter head, roller cutter, bit, wear coefficient