Abstract: Through simulating model tests of shield tunnel passing through the Yellew River in the diversion project from south to north China,a systematic analysis on the primary factors affecting joint stiffness,including arrangement of joint bolt,t hickness of annular packing of bolt,behavior and thickness of cushion material b etween two tube plates,magnitude of prestressing force of joint bolt and differe nt stressed states at tube plate joint etc.,are performed.The study results may provide reference for tube plate design of shield tunnel