Abstract This research relates to the application of a reinforced concrete containment vessel (RCCV) whose form can be freely selected to the development of an advanced BWR. The researchers on RCCVs are carried out recently, and good results are obtained. The RCCV employed in this research is different from conventional ones in structural elements and form. The purpose of this research is, therefore, to confirm the adequacy and reliability of the design method of the trial-designed RCCV, and to confirm the ultimate strengt and constructibleness. Basic, partial model and total model experiments were conducted. As a result of experimental and analytical studies, it was made sure that the trial-designed RCCV is safe and reliable at a design-load level. It was also confirmed that its ultimate strength fully ensures structural performance. Realizability was confirmed from consideration of the adequacy of the design method and constructibleness. This paper describes the results of the total model experiments planned for these researches.