Since the 1930s, when the pseudostatic seismic analysis methods for concrete and embankment dams were introduced, the following changes have taken place: (i) from pseudostatic to dynamic seismic analysis of dams, (ii) from the representation of the earthquake ground shaking by a seismic coefficient to safety evaluation earthquake ground motion parameters, (iii) from consideration of single hazard to multiple seismic hazards including ground shaking, mass movements, and faulting, and (iv) from safety factors to rational seismic performance criteria, characterized by dam deformations. There are still considerable uncertainties about the behaviour of a dam under very strong ground shaking. The following topics are discussed that need further attention: inelastic earthquake behaviour of dams under strong ground shaking; seismic strengthening of existing dams; short-term behaviour of mass concrete, RCC and rockfill materials; seismic design of hydro-mechanical equipment; abutment stability of arch dams during earth-quakes, seismic behaviour of asphalt core rockfill dams and other new types of dams; seismic safety of tailings dams during operation and long-time storage phase, and seismic design and performance criteria.
