In order to predict the ground settlement characteristics in different depths induced by circular tunnel construction, the function relationship between maximum ground settlement in different depths and the width coefficient of settlement trough is theoretically deduced; and then the plane strain model experiment system, including experiment platform, soil model, circular tunnel excavation model and ground settlement monitoring device, is established. The results show that: 1) The maximum ground settlement is inversely proportional to width coefficient of settlement trough. 2) The ground settlement increases with the depth increases; and the underground settlement trough shows normal distribution. 3) The calculation formula for relationship between ground settlement and settlement trough in different depths of clay soil is derived by regression analysis. The results can provide a reliable calculation method for vertical ground settlements in different depths induced by circular tunnel construction.