Abstract:The first-stage project of Xiamen Airport Road contains large-section tunnel with span of 34 m in shallow depth,which passes through the bottom of more than 90 existing buildings. During its excavation process,the safety of the tunnel itself must be guaranteed,while more attentions should be paid to the safety of the existing buildings. As to this tunnel construction,it is faced with many technical difficulties,especially softening of fully-weathered granites in groundwater,settlement of the whole tunnel structure,large deformation of strata,and differential settlements and cracking of buildings,etc.. Based on systematic analysis of the project features and its control scheme,buildings #104 and #105 planned to be removed are reserved as experimental building for ensuring the reliability of this scheme. Through the uplift grouting and in-situ deformation monitoring during tunnel construction,it is discussed how the strata subsidence,settlement and cracks of buildings develop with excavation step. Besides,the method of optimizing construction scheme combined with surface uplift grouting is proposed to control the large deformation of strata and to protect buildings. In-situ data show that the differential settlements of buildings should be controlled within 20 mm;the synchronous measure of grouting from surface and from inside tunnel can control the buildings uplift,reduce their differential settlements,and hold their cracking development. The research results can provide technical support and insurance for subsequent construction when more important buildings exist,as well as favorable reference for design,construction and study of future similar projects.