Abstract：Four construction-support methods of shallow excavation are simulated with FLAC2D combined with engineering situation of Tiantan east station. Regularities of stress，plastic region，and displacement in surrounding soil are studied and the optimal excavation method is put forward. The main results are as follows：(1) in excavation，plastic region of ground surface spreads from vertical lines of both sides of the station to the line at an angle of 45°with the vertical lines. Plastic region at both sides of the station is very large. The plastic region at top and bottom of the station is greatly restrained by canopy-shelter and bottom arch；(2) adverse effect is made by single vertical or horizontal excavation to ground surface subsidence，and better effect can be achieved by a combined method of the two excavations；(3) the partial arc support is better than vertical support in restraining subsidence of ground surface. The combined method of vertical and symmetrical excavation is optimal；and (4) that excavation-support design can meet the whole stability of the station is further proved by the in-situ measured result.
