Methods of the Gaussian distribution curve and Finite Element Method (FEM) were applied in predicting ground settlement however, those equations are still incomplete with a trough width parameter, K of soil condition that has evolved from the developing of Kenny Hills tunnel in Malaysia. Therefore, this paper of research analyses pipe roofing and shield support of rectangular tunnel using FEM by PLAXIS 2D software to estimate in occurrences of ground deformations. Charts of maximum ground surface settlement and trough width parameter are developed to show the difference between both lining supports through parametric study comprises variation of soil properties. Results show that pipe roofing support is suitable to be adopted in weak soil condition while shield support is suitable in soil condition with higher stiffness value. K can be concluded with value equal to 0.6 for the rectangular pipe roofing support and 0.7 for rectangular shield support in Kenny Hills soil formation. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.