The paper deals with the approaches to the response analysis of large transport and lifeline structures. The background theory for simplified analysis is presented. Seismic inputs represent the cases of explosion impacts and large near field earthquake effects. 3DOF and 6DOF input models are based on surface wave theory and applied for calculations and shaking table experiments. Examples of seismic motion simulations are those obtained during large MASTER shaking table tests in Enel.Hydro-ISMES Seriate, Italy in the framework of EC international projects.