[en] A critical state-of-the-art review of multicavity Prestressed Concrete Reactor Vessel (PCRV) design and analysis practices is presented. Included are discussions of basic design concepts, the behavior of liners and penetrations, and the various tests required and/or employed to demonstrate acceptance of new vessel geometries and innovations. The influences of design codes such as the ACI/ASME Section III, Division 2 and BS 4975, and the various analysis methods are evaluated. Elastic, inelastic, and time-dependent analysis techniques are in a much more advanced stage of development than the constitutive equations that are essential to the satisfactory use of these techniques. The need also exists for development of systematic, methods for calculating ultimate strengths of multicavity vessels to replace the existing practise that is based on simple experimental methods and empirical analyses such as the 'cryptodome' method. Tests are conducted on liner plates, liner anchorage systems, and cooling tubes to provide justification for design practice. These tests are reviewed together with the seven methods of analysis used in the design of anchorage systems. Similarities and differences in functional requirements and design of linear systems for PCRVs and containments are discussed together with the appropriate design code criteria. The adequacy and economy of present liner systems are reviewed and possible future modifications in design practice suggested. (Auth.)