Abstract: The mechanical properties of steel wires and concrete should be considered in the calculation and analysis of containment structure.The prestressed steel wires are simulated using orthotropic material properties membrane element.The finite element analysis of containment in service is based on dynamic prestressing losing of steel wires with time and the steps of analysis are put foward.Taking a nuclear power plant containment for example,the result of comparison between calculation data and the measuring data shows the feasibility of this way of analysis.The ultimate bearing capacity of containment structure is also analyzed.