In recent inland shallow earthquakes, pulse-like ground motions have been observed which caused severe damage to wooden buildings. In this study, we propose the formula to estimate the maximum response of wooden buildings for pulse-like ground motions, which is idealized as a sinusoidal pulse, by response spectra method. The accuracy of the approximation by a sinusoidal pulse is examined, compared with the observed record of recent inland shallow earthquakes. The accuracy of the formula is examined, compared with the result of dynamic time history response analysis and shaking table tests. In addition, the required seismic performance of wooden buildings for a sinusoidal pulse is examined.
