Discussion of “Strong Column—Weak Beam” in Capacity Design Method

The ideal failure mode of structures under strong earthquakes is one of the key factors to achieve the seismic fortification goal. The capacity design method is an important tool to ensure the failure mode of “strong column—weak beam” in different country design codes, but there are various differences in the design application, as well as in the observed failure modes after earthquake disasters. In terms of structural damage, this failure mode advocated by the capacity design method has not been totally realized. In order to explore the reasons, this paper takes the reinforced concrete frame structure as an example, sorts out the relevant provisions on “strong column—weak beam” in the capacity design method in New Zealand, the United States, Europe, Japan and China, summarizes the similarities and differences. Additionally, this paper also reflects on the inadequacies about design method of column moment magnification in China.