Abstract: Based on a quasi-static finite-element numerical model, the law of influence of the seismic effect of a shield tunnel is analyzed for four types of interface contact characteristics, e.g. full contact without slipping, slipping with friction Ⅰ, slipping with friction Ⅱ and full slipping, respectively. Meanwhile, the feasibility and rationality of the quasi-static numerical method is verified by the quasi-static analytical method based on the elastic center method and empty complex function based quasi-static analytical method. The results show that: 1) the quasi-static analysis of circular shield tunnels is feasible with the friction elements simulating interface characteristics under proper boundary conditions; 2) full contact without slipping and full slipping are two ultimate states considering interface contact friction characteristics; 3) under the action of horizontal shear waves, the additional seismic bending moment and axial force distribute as an asymmetrical axis on the axis of 45° and -45°, with a distribution pattern of an asymmetricone; and 4) the additional seismic axial force increases with the increase of the interface friction coefficient,while the additional bending moment decreases with the increase of the interface friction coefficient, which means the friction coefficient has more influence on the axial force than on bending moment.