The elastic-inhomogeneous-ring method and beam-spring methods of internal forces calculations for the shield tunnel lining are discussed in detail.As a traditional method of shield tunnel lining designing,the elastic-inhomogeneous-ring is safe but conservative.Combining with a practical engineering example,its internal forces were calculated respectively by the two methods.The results of these two methods were compared and analyzed,and drew the conclusion that the beam-spring method for the designing of the shield tunnel lining is safe and economical.