Abstract: Methods of determining ground motion parameters for geotechnical engineering are dispersed in different designing norms in China now. Though most of the norms have been revised since 2000, they are still somewhat rational. There are two norms related to seismic-resistant issued in 2001. They are Regionalism Map of Ground Motion Parameters in China (GB18306-2001) and Code for seismic design of buildings (GB50011-2001). These two norms provide basic principles for the work but there are still some differences between them in determining response spectrum of ground motion. The differences are discussed in the paper. Since the earthquake risk level is changed for different geotechnical engineering, geotechnical engineers with earthquake knowledge is the best technician for the work. The discussion in this paper is helpful for geotechnichal engineers to understand the key problem.

Key words: geotechnical engineering, design parameters of ground motion, seismic zoning