By researching the failure mechanism of the structure under seismic action, recognizing and optimizing structural failure modes, the desired failure mode of the structure can be achieved, which will improve the seismic performance and reduce casualties and property losses in the earthquake importantly. By using OpenSEES—the Open System for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, and utilizing IDA analysis method together, the seismic response of the steel reinforced concrete frame structure is gained in this paper, and some methods are proposed to identify the failure modes for the structure. Farther, some optimization algorithms are given to improve the failure modes, which have certain theoretical significance for corresponding engineering application.