The reinforced concrete (RC) frame-tube structure considered in the study has two towers with lapping transfer columns. The lapping transfer columns, considering aesthetic requirement in elevation, lead to a complex vertical force transfer system. The large irregularity in elevation, according to Chinese code, necessitates a detailed study. A 1/15-scaled model of the high-rise building was tested on a shaking table to evaluate its seismic performance. The model was subjected to earthquake inputs representing frequent, basic, rare, and extremly rare earthquakes. The results of shaking table test in terms of the global and local responses as well as the dynamic properties are presented. The tests demonstrate that the designed structural system satisfies the pre-defined performance objectives and the lapping transfer columns have good seismic peformance. To better control seismic damages of the building, some suggestions for improving the design of this structure are also put forward at last.
