Abstarct: As normal and tangential stiffness of contact points in segmental linings remarkably depends on normal stress in contact locations and this issue has not been investigated in the previous studies, the present study tried to develop a precise contact model baxsed on experimental direct shear tests (DST) results. By selecting the normal stress between 0.25 and 2 MPa, about 100 tests were performed on the grooved cubic samples of contact points of segments in three conditions include the contact of concrete to concrete, with gasket and with bolt. As practical outcome of this study, the contact shear and normal reaction moduli k_s and k_n were related to contact normal stress via two linear regression equations considering R2 of 98%. For evaluating the proposed method, finite element models of an urban tunnel liner were developed using the concept of beam on elastic foundation considering the proposed contact model of the present study (beam-contact springs (BCS)), the results of which were compared with those of the conventional contact models. Results demonstrated that the proposed model of this research had the highest correspondence with reduced RR, HL, EMI, BRS, and comprehensive coverage, respectively. According to the test results from this research, 3D FEM models were developed. Finally to access the sliding and bolt acting conditions of contact points, some sensitive analyses were conducted. Finally obtained results in this research shows proposed BCS model can be used easily to estimate segmental lining behavior.