Introduction to the earthquake phenomenon. Response of structures to seismic actions depending on the type of earthquake and the form of the structure. Principles for the design of the load-bearing structure of reinforced concrete buildings for reliable behaviour in a possible earthquake and uniform damping of the introduced seismic energy. Configuration in plan and in terms of height to avoid abnormal arrangements, soft floor, planted columns, short columns, abrupt change in stiffness in plan and in height, diaphragm function of slabs, seismic joint.