鉴于模型试验和原型观测在水电站蜗壳结构研究中无可替代的作用，分别系统回顾了蜗壳结构模型试验和原型观测的发展历史，结合发展现状指出：当前垫层蜗壳结构模型试验研究有待进一步深入，将结构动力试验技术用于研究蜗壳结构的动力特性将是未来蜗壳结构模型试验的重要发展方向；我国已有的大量蜗壳结构原型监测资料多数未见公开，将监测资料与计算结果相互对比佐证的研究相对较少，未能充分发挥监测资料的作用，蜗壳结构在机组运行过程中的变形和动力响应监测值得重视。

The research advances of model test and prototype observation applied in the research of Spiral Case Structure in hydroelectric power plant are reviewed. It is indicated that the model test research of the structure with a pad membrane should be promoted, and it ' s promising to employ the dynamic structural test technology in studying the dynamic characteristics of the structure ； whereas the monitoring data fails to play its due role owning to the privacy protection for most of the existing monitoring data of the structure, which are rarely seen to be compared with the calculation results. It ' s of great importance to monitor the deformation and dynamic response of the structure during its operation. It is anticipated that the model test and prototype observation will both remain throughout the development of researches on the structure.