Abstract Taking the Xi¢an line-2 subway as an example，the city wall is simulated with special discrete finite element method to analyze the capacity of withstanding the deformation of the city wall from the point of deformation and mechanics. The proposed finite element method can reflect the tensile or shear damage along the mortar，brick-soil interface and existing crack. Finally，the controlled sedimentation parameters for the Xi¢an city wall are proposed. The results can provide engineers with references to the underground construction nearby the ancient building.
