Abstract Tunnels are taking a bigger percentage of the total length of roads and railways built in China because a sophisticated environmental protection system is being established up gradually. Compared with big-span tunnels,multiple-arch tunnels are safer,more beautiful in structure and easier in construction. Compared with building separate tunnels under the same geological condition,multiple-arch tunnels cover less area and need less investment. Restricted by the traditional construction method,most multiple-arch tunnels are short. Combining the experience of building multiple-arch tunnel,the construction of the multiple-arch tunnel and the control and prevention of the fault common in building multiple-arch tunnels are described.