Excavation of underground openings in rock relieves theinsitustate of stresses, providing an initiating mechanism for time-dependent deformation in shaly rocks to occur. The construction of a permanent lining restrains the rock movement, resulting in an increase with time of pressure acting on the lining.Closed form solutions for this problem of rock structure – time interaction of circular tunnels have been developed, taking into account (a) the state of initial stresses, (b) the time-dependent properties of the lining as well as the rock, and (c) the time lapsed between excavation and lining. Expressions for lining pressures, stresses, thrusts, and moments are given for both "no slip" and "full slip" interface conditions.The effects of material parameters, lining flexibilities, and time lapse on quantities of engineering interest are studied and their implications on design illustrated.The results of analysis are compared with the field observations made in three tunnels. It is shown that the theoretical results are consistent with the observed extent and location of cracking in these tunnels.It is suggested that the methods proposed may be used for design considerations of permanent linings of tunnels in rock exhibiting significant time-dependent deformation.