Abstract This paper describes the design and construction phase of the Large-Scale Soil-Structure Interaction Experiment project jointly sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower). The project has two objectives: (1) to obtain an earthquake database which can be used to substantiate soil-structure interaction (SSI) models and analysis methods; and (2) to quantify nuclear power plant reactor containment and internal components seismic margin based on earthquake experience data. These objectives were accomplished by recording and analyzing data from two instrumented, scaled down, reinforced concrete containment structures during seismic events. The two model structures are sited in a high seismic region in Taiwan. A strong-motion seismic array network is located at the site. The containment models ( 1 4 - and sol1 12 - scale ) were constructed and instrumented specially for this experiment. Construction was completed and data recording began in September 1985. By November 1986, 18 strong motion earthquakes ranging from Richter magnitude 4.5 to 7.0 were recorded.