Abstract: Digitization and intelligence are the future development directions of tunnel engineering.To achieve digital safety construction,and disaster prevention and control of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnels,we proposed a digital twin framework for TBM tunnel excavation based on intelligent geological perception technology and digital twin theory.First,based on intelligent geological perception technology and the authors’ previous work,this paper summarizes the intelligent identification and advanced geological prediction methods for lithology,adverse geology,and rock mass characteristics,which provide data and model basis for tunnel digital twinning.Second,a five-dimensional digital twin model for TBM tunnel excavation was proposed,and a twin system framework was established from five aspects: physical entities of the rock and the machine,twin databases,virtual models of the rock and the machine,application services,and connection layers.Third,a TBM construction rock-machine digital twin platform was built.Through case analysis,the platform can demonstrate the mapping and virtual-real feedback of the rock and machine of TBM tunnels in virtual space.Finally,to achieve “perceivable,visible,analytical and decision-making” for whole process of TBM tunnel construction,we discussed the development direction of digital and intelligent TBM tunnels with the help of digital twins,5G,AI,cloud computing and other techniques.In addition,the intelligent model of geological perception and disaster prevention and control with the digital twin as the core can also be applied to the construction of drilling and blasting tunnels.