Abstract: The centrifugal model tests and finite element models are conducted to investigate the influences of excavation of underground carvens on surface buildings. The time-history curves of index points and the settlement curves of the surface are acquired by centrifugal model tests. The effects of width, weight and location of the buildings on the interaction are discussed. It is found that the horizontal strain of the building foundation is the maximum when the underground tunnel crosses the middle of the surface buildings. And while the underground tunnel is near the surface buildings instead of crossing exactly under the buildings, the non-uniform settlement of buildings is more severe.