In this paper different models of seismic input are analyzed. The most essential characteristics of seismic effects are peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, peak ground displacement, Arias intensity, cumulative absolute velocity, seismic energy density, harmonic coefficient κ, pseudo spectral kinematic characteristics, root-mean-square peak kinematic characteristics, plastic forces work and damage spectrum. The influence of seismic impulse on characteristics of seismic input is studied. A.A. Dolgaya’s and L.N. Dmitrovskaya’s models with seismic impulse are compared. L.N. Dmitrovskaya’s model allows to reach estimated values of energy characteristics of seismic input with the smallest deviation. When generating such processes, it is important to take into account both the properties of real actions and the limiting state of the calculated structure. The considered models of seismic inputs should be applied in the following cases: a) in case of designing mass construction projects when it is not possible to get a package of design accelerograms, b) in typical designing when the design object can be located on sites with different seismic and geological conditions, c) at early stages of designing important objects when the package of design accelerograms is not available yet but it is necessary to make technical solutions.