Abstract: 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.

Key words: spiral case  ,   model test  ,  prototype observation ,  research advance