In order to perform the seismic analysis and design of a structure to be built at a particular location, the actual time history record is required. However, it is not possible to have such records at each and every location. Further, the seismic analysis of structures cannot be carried out simply based on the peak value of the ground acceleration as the response of the structure depend upon the frequency content of ground motion and its own dynamic properties. To overcome the above difficulties, earthquake response spectrum is the most popular tool in the seismic analysis of structures. There are computational advantages in using the response spectrum method of seismic analysis for prediction of displacements and member forces in structural systems. The method involves the calculation of only the maximum values of the displacements and member forces in each mode of vibration using smooth design spectra that are the average of several earthquake motions.

This chapter deals with response spectrum method and its application to various types of the structures. The codal provisions as per IS:1893 (Part 1)-2002 code for response spectrum analysis of multi-story building is also summarized.