�@Only a 3-dimensional approach is able to estimate the effect of tunnelling. However, for the sake of simplicity, 2-dimensional approach which is covering some features of the 3-dimensional effect has been applied in the tunnelling practice. The paper presents some results of 2-dimensional FEM analyses covering the 3-dimensional effect and an elastic, elasto-plastic 3-dimensional one considering the tunnelling process of railway shield tunnels. An efficient and accurate assessment of ground movement in shield tunnelling is studied.