Based on an investigation of the literature and a comprehensive consideration of test purposes, test conditions, and test funds, a transverse shaking table test for utility tunnels was designed in detail. First, test facilities such as shaking table, model box, and testing element are introduced. Second, the two main aspects of the experiment, model similarity ratio and model reinforcement, were studied. In designing the similarity ratio, the four parameters of acceleration, density, elastic modulus, and length, were taken as basic quantities. Then, according to the Bockingham π theorem and the gravity neglected model, other similarity ratios were derived. Reinforcement of the prototype structure was simple, thus, the equal area reinforcement ratio principle was adopted in the design of the model for this test, accounting for the rationality of the force. Third, based on the seismic response of the underground structure, El Centro, Kobe, and Taft waves were selected, and a detailed loading system is given. Finally, based on the numerical simulation in a previous two-dimensional model, the layout of test elements for the utility tunnel is present.