This guide provides a testing protocol for structural testing of reinforced concrete elements and assemblies under slowly applied simulated seismic loading. Tests of nonstructural elements are not included. An emphasis is placed on the characterization of force-deformation relationships of test specimens to quantify performance indicators for use in subsequent evaluation of seismic structural performance. These guidelines are primarily intended for new tests@ but they may also be used for interpreting existing test data. This guide has a broad scope and may not cover all the details of experimental research programs. Users should exercise appropriate judgment during the course of research and make adjustments to the protocol contained herein. It is@ however@ encouraged to use as many of the guidelines outlined in this document as possible. This guide is not intended for the purposes of seismic qualification by testing agencies@ though it can be used as a resource for developing such qualification protocols. In the course of developing this document@ consideration was given to creating a standardized format for reporting experimental data. However@ it was recognized that variations in reporting formats necessarily arise from differences in instrumentation@ test equipment@ and test objectives@ and that a standardized reporting format would be impractical. Therefore@ this guide focuses on defining the essential information that should be recorded. This guide does not anticipate the varying challenges that could arise from the varied testing types. Each experimental program is unique in itself@ making it impossible for the authors to anticipate every problem arising in planning and conducting a specific test. Instead@ solutions to the more common concerns that might arise during testing are addressed. Regulatory agencies or building officials may wish to consult this guide as a resource for approving new forms of design or construction that are outside the scope of current building codes. Such approval might be contingent on performance of component testing following the procedures suggested in this guide. This guide has refrained@ however@ from presenting specific seismic performance criteria that could be applied to qualify a specific structural component or assembly for use in a particular seismic design application. This guide does not anticipate the full range or combinations of possible applications@ components@ and performance goals. Any attempt to define such specific numerical goals would certainly not address all situations@ and might inappropriately constrain or liberalize approval of a particular structural component or system. This guide presents examples of possible acceptance criteria@ leaving the establishment of program-specific criteria to the regulatory agency. The document is organized to provide information on: a) ASCE/SEI 41 performance levels b) Requirements for preparation of test specimens@ support and boundary conditions@ and test setups c) Instrumentation needs@ data acquisition@ and test observations d) Description of loading regime@ including amplitude and sequence of load@ deformations@ or both@ including the number of cycles required for each load level@ deformation level@ or both e) Documentation@ including reporting of test data@ test observations@ and correlations with performance levels