Seismic design of RC frame structures based on energy-balance method

•Energy-based methodology in seismic resistant design for RC frames is proposed.•Proposed energy-balance method is coupled with performance-based seismic design.•Constant amplitude fatigue is used in energy dissipation capacities of RC members.•Energy demand distribution in RC frame is done by nonlinear static pushover analysis.•Numerical examples include code-compliant design and soft-story frames.