A procedure to analyse the space frame structure fixed at base as well as resting on sliding bearing using total or absolute displacement in dynamic equation is developed. In the present method, the effect of ground acceleration is not considered as equivalent force. Instead, the ground acceleration is considered as a known value in the acceleration vector at degree of freedom corresponding to base of the structure when the structure is in non-sliding phase. When the structure is in sliding phase, only a force equal to the maximum frictional resistance is applied at base. Also, in this method, the stiffness matrix, mass matrix and the damping matrix will not change when the structure enters from one phase to another. The results obtained from the present method using absolute displacement approach are compared with the results obtained from the analysis of structure using relative displacement approach. The applicability of the analysis is also demonstrated to obtain the response of the structure resting on sliding bearing with restoring force device.