The structural failure under severe ground motions is primarily caused by their unreasonable seismic failure mode (SFM). This paper provides a methodology aiming at the SFM improvement of reinforced concrete frame structure. An RC frame is modeled and three types of failure criterion are defined as the premise of SFM. Static pushover analysis is adopted to identify the SFM. The dominant failure modes and failure paths of the structure are obtained in three lateral load patterns (inverted trian- gular distribution, uniform distribution and adaptive distribution). Based on the pushover analysis, the sequential failure of components and the probability of the occurrence of plastic hinges are determined. By this, weak components of the structure are detected and herein are strengthened. The project cost of the proposed strengthening strategy increases by 2.4%. Capacity spectrum method is used to study the performance of the strengthening structure. Pushover analysis is conducted again to present the improvement of strength and ductility. Lateral drift and local response through IDA are also studied to indicate that the strengthening of some columns and beams can improve the SFM to enhance the seismic capacity of structure. The structural failure under severe ground motions is directed by their unreasonable seismic failure mode (SFM). This paper provides a methodology aiming at the SFM improvement of an reinforced concrete frame structure. An RC frame is modeled and three types of failure criterion are defined as the premise of SFM. Static pushover analysis is adopted to identify the SFM. The dominant failure modes and failure paths of the structure are obtained in three lateral load patterns (inverted trian- gular distribution, uniform distribution and adaptive distribution). Based on the pushover analysis of the sequential failure of components and the probability of the occurrence of plastic hinges are determined. By this, weak components of the structure are detected and herein are strengthened. is used to study the performance of the strengthening structure. Pushover analysis is conducted again to p resent the improvement of strength and ductility. Lateral drift and local response through IDA are also studied to indicate that the strengthening of some columns and beams can improve the SFM to enhance the seismic capacity of structure.