This paper deals with the dynamic response of a central core type embankmen
t dam under level-II earthquake excitation! which is much severer than that
in the conventional earthquake resistant design before Hyogoken-Nanbu eart
hquake. The aim of the paper is to estimate the magnitude of seismic force
exerted by the level-II motion and evaluate the dynamic effect in terms of
the seismic coefficient, because it plays the most important role on the ea
rthquake resistant design. Assuming elasto-plastic behavior of dam material
s, the two-dimensional finite element model was used and also generation of
level-II motion was carried out. Judging from several results of the simul
ation, the maximum value of the seismic coefficient reached about 0.7, wher
eas the usual design value for embankment dam is less than 0.15. This value
emphasizes the severity of the level-II earthquake.