AbstractThe boundary element method has been successfully applied in the past to the analysis of hydrodynamic forces in two‐ and three‐dimensional finite water reservoirs subjected to seismic ground motions. In extending the method to an infinite reservoir, the loss of energy due to pressure waves moving away towards infinity must be taken into account. In addition, for both finite and infinite reservoirs, energy is lost owing to partial absorption of the waves incident on a flexible bottom consisting of alluvial deposits. This paper presents the results of more recent research on the application of the boundary element method to the analysis of 2D reservoir vibration. Two different formulations are used: a constant boundary element formulation and a linear boundary element formulation. Special boundary conditions to treat infinite radiation and foundation damping have been incorporated in both formulations. Numerical results have been obtained for each of the two alternative formulations and compared against each other as well as with classical solutions and results obtained by other researchers.