The torsional response of symmetric buildings due to wave passage in the near-fault region is investigated.
The resonance response occurs when the pulse period is close to the torsional period of the building.
Wave passage effects are controlled by the wave apparent velocity, rather than the local site conditions.
Simplified pulse models can represent broadband near-fault motions for large torsional response.
The maximum relative twist at resonance is found to be ~10−3 rad.