Whether the transverse stiffness similarity of the model shield tunnel is reasonable or not is directly related to the accuracy of the cross-sectional deformation of the model shield tunnel during the model test. In order to study the design method of segment ring of model shield tunnel, the similarity and processing materials of the model shield tunnel segment ring were analyzed. Different types of model tunnel segment rings were designed and tested. The relationship between vertical displacement and horizontal displacement of segment ring and vertical loading of shield tunnel with different models was obtained. The results show that: some polymer materials have certain creep properties, and it is recommended to avoid using polymer materials with this characteristic to make model shield tunnel segment rings; the creep of nylon material is small, which can be selected as the material for processing model tunnel segment ring. Due to the complexity of the influencing factors of the bending stiffness of the assembled joint, when it is necessary to simulate the longitudinal joint of the segment, it is recommended to simulate the longitudinal joint of the segment by slotting. The bending stiffness of the joint can be controlled by the width and depth of the slotting. The design and processing of modified homogeneous ring are simple. If the shield tunnel is studied by scale test and the model shield tunnel is designed as modified homogeneous segment ring, it is recommended to use steel plate as the material for processing the model shield tunnel.