Conventional seismic design approach depends on inelastic deformation of structural members for seismic energy dissipation. This concept may provide safety and economy in seismic design, but may not prevent damage in structures after strong earthquake. Consequently, the gravity framing systems in such structures may be exposed to interstoreydrift demands several times greater than would be expected on the basis of design calculations, calling into question their perceived safety. In this study, an overview of the seismic performance of the structures with respect to different design parameters are discussed. It is concluded thatthe strength and the initial stiffness of the designed frames decrease as the allowed storey drift limit of the frame increases. The maximum storey drift and beam-strain responses of the frames under the earthquake loading increases with the increase in the allowable storey drift limits. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.