Abstract: With the continuous advancement of construction standards for shield tunnel engineering in China, establishing a scientific waterproofing system has emerged as a critical challenge with respect to engineering quality. This system should extend beyond the waterproof structural design of tunnels, encompassing meticulous control throughout segment production, joint waterproofing treatment, and segment construction. To this end, in this study, the current key issues in segment manufacturing technology, joint waterproofing technology, and shield tunnel construction are analyzed. First, the development of steel molds for shield tunnel segments in China is systematically reviewed and the requirements for steel mold accuracy in terms of current specifications are discussed. Second, commonly used joint waterproofing materials such as ethylene propylene diene monomer and hydro-expansive rubber are introduced and the current research methods for joint waterproofing are explored. Additionally, the principles and systems of joint waterproofing are analyzed. Furthermore, a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages among three stiffness enhancement measures for segment circumferential joints, namely, shear pin, concave tenon, and positioning tenon, is presented. Subsequently, the development of segment assembly acceptance standards, the fine-tuning functions of the segment assembly equipment, and the application of an integrated synchronous grouting system in practical engineering are discussed. Finally, the authors propose that for achieving high-quality construction of shield tunnels in China, three core development directions should be prioritized: intelligent technology-driven segment production, optimization of waterproof systems with extreme environmental adaptability, and innovation in new joint technologies. Moreover, accelerating the application of intelligent technologies, developing new waterproof materials and active control structural systems, designing intelligent assembly equipment and synchronous boring-assembly processes, and systematically enhancing tunnel waterproof reliability and construction efficiency are critical pathways to advance the industry.

Key words: shield tunnel, waterproofing system, segment manufacturing, joint waterproofing, segment assembly