<p>The aeolian sand strata feature a loose structure, uniform particle size, low cohesion, and low shear strength, making them highly susceptible to accidents during tunnel construction, such as sand leakage, sand sliding, support settlement and deformation, and even collapses or roof failures. This paper takes the Chancay Tunnel in Peru as its foundation and, under these unique geological conditions of aeolian sand, pioneers the use of the “elephant-foot method” for tunnel reinforcement. Furthermore, numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the effectiveness of this method. The results demonstrate that the elephant-foot method effectively controls deformation issues during tunnel excavation, significantly enhancing the self-stabilizing capacity of the surrounding rock and optimizing the load-bearing performance of the support system. Easy to implement and delivering remarkable reinforcement outcomes, this method is particularly well-suited for shallowly buried tunnels constructed in aeolian sand environments, providing reliable technical support for tunnel projects under similar geological conditions.</p>