Abstract: The transverse seismic response analysis of immersed tunnels is the key for the seismic design of immersed tunnel structures. According to the structure characteristics of immersed tunnels and the dynamic shear performance of the joints, a multibody dynamic model composed of the multi-rigid body, the shear hinge, and the viscous damping hinge is proposed for immersed tunnels based on reasonable assumptions. The mathematical models and formulae of each element and the system are deduced based on the discrete time transfer matrix method (MS-DT-TMM) of the multibody dynamics theory. The new method is applied in an example. The results agree well with benchmark simulation results from the finite element method (FEM). This method could provide a rapid seismic analysis for the transverse dynamic response of immersed tunnels.