This paper summarizes the current empirical methods for estimating ground surface settlements caused by excavation. The different points among the current empirical methods are discussed. Four excavation cases with well documented measurements are used to compare the suitability of these methods. The present study indicates that Hsieh and Ou's method can give good concordance with field measurements for concave type as well as spandrel type of settlement troughs. Besides, ground settlements at various depths behind the wall are studied using finite element method. Based on the analysis results with the field observations, a tentative method for predicting settlement at various depths is then proposed.