Abstract: The stateofart of the shield tunneling technologies in China is presented. The application of EPB shield machines in different geological conditions, such as sandstone strata in Chongqing Metro, sandy cobble strata in Beijing, loess strata in Xi'an and calcareous slate in Dalian, are described in detail. It is concluded that the specific geological conditions should be considered in the design and manufacture of shield machines, and, on the other hand, relevant shield tunneling technologies should be used, to cope with different geological conditions.

Key words: earth pressure balanced (EPB) shield, sandstone strata, sand cobble strata, loess strata, calcareous slate