The document discusses reasons why reinforced concrete (RC) structures fail during earthquakes and measures to improve their performance. Key points include: 1) RC buildings often fail due to design deficiencies like ignoring concepts of strong columns-weak beams or having soft stories, or construction defects like weak joints or improper reinforcement detailing. 2) Measures to improve performance include following design concepts of strong columns-weak beams and designing soft story elements to withstand higher forces, as well as improving construction quality of joints and reinforcement details. 3) Other factors that can lead to failure are short column effects, torsional forces from asymmetric shapes, and disturbance of the load path through the structure.