Abstract: In this paper three design models of underground structure proposed by the author, i. e. rock strain model, opening displacement model and internal force of lining model are combined with three calculation theories of elasticity, plasticity and viscosity for circular lining. The design formulae of ground pressure related to the lining stiffness and constitutive law of surrounding ground are obtained, they are also checked by the laboratory test of simulation material and field measurement. The coefficient of lateral pressure varies with the stiffness ratio between lining and ground, it being larger than the coefficient at rest. The lining will be thiner and cheaper when the method in this paper is used to design tunnels especially by the New Austrian Tunnel Method and the Shield Method.