Abstract: In this study, empirical ground-motion models for the vertical component from shallow crustal earthquakes are derived using worldwide strong ground-motions. Models are applicable to moderate and large magnitudes, distances 0-100 km and spectral periods of 0-10 sec. These attenuation relationships are presented for vertical peak ground acceleration and vertical acceleration response spectra in active tectonics regions. The effects of magnitude, distance, local average shear wave velocity, mechanism and nonlinear site response are included in these equations. The hanging wall effect is included with an improved model that varies smoothly as a function of the source properties and the site location. The standard deviation is magnitude dependent with smaller magnitudes leading to larger standard deviations.