Abstract: This paper presents the shield launching results of the first phase project of Wuhan Rail Transit No. 3 Line between Hongkong Road and Huiji Road. The shielded excavation has the characteristics of large embedment depth and high artesian water pressures in the first terrace of Yangtze River. By using the combination of the steel sleeve balance and the ground freezing methods, the shield launching in these complicated geological condition was successful. The project practice indicates that the safety of the construction can be secured by using the combination of the steel sleeve balance and the ground freezing methods and this technique can be used in the launching of the shielded excavation in similar geological conditions.

Key words: Large Embedment Depth, High Artesian Water Pressures, Shield Launching, Steel Sleeve Balance Method, Ground Freezing Method