PURPOSES : This study aims to evaluate the vertical displacement caused by differential drying shrinkage in concrete pavements within tunnels under various independent variables using structural analysis. METHODS : The behavior of differential drying shrinkage was assessed based on literature reviews of slab thickness and atmospheric humidity. The equivalent linear temperature difference (ELTD) values were analyzed using regression analysis. A three-dimensional solid element model of a two-lane highway tunnel section with six slabs was created using the ABAQUS finite element program by referring to standard drawings. Dowels and tie bars were placed in accordance with the highway standards of the Korean Highway Corporation. RESULTS : The results of a finite element analysis revealed no significant difference in vertical displacement owing to the type of slab base. However, thicker slabs exhibited a smaller vertical displacement. Additional dowels installed at the shoulder of the driving lane did not significantly inhibit vertical displacement. A narrower joint spacing resulted in a smaller vertical displacement. A comparison with field data from Tunnel A showed that the amount of differential drying shrinkage varied with the relative humidity of the atmosphere during different seasons. CONCLUSIONS : Increasing the slab thickness and reducing the joint spacing can improve driving performance by mitigating differential drying shrinkage during dry winter conditions. Future research will involve the creation of indoor test specimens to further analyze the behavior of differential drying shrinkage under varying conditions of relative humidity, slab base moisture, and wind presence.