In response to the national imperative for seismic safety of high-rise buildings, focusing on the scientific issues of strong earthquake catastrophes in high-rise buildings, a systematic investigation was undertaken to advance the seismic design theory and enhance the seismic performance of large and complex high-rise buildings. The research outcomes have received manyrecognitions including the State Science and Technology Advancement Award, the State Technological Innovation Award, the Science and Technology Advancement Grand Award of Shanghai, the First Prize for Technological Innovation Award of Shanghai, the First Prize for Science and Technology Advancement Award of the Ministry of Education, and the Nathan M. Newmark Medal from the ASCE.

A comprehensive method for seismic performance evaluation and enhancement of complex high-rise structures has been developed. The research outcomes have provided technical support for significant projects such as the Shanghai Center (China's tallest) and Chongqing Raffles Square (the world's largest four interconnected towers at elevated heights), in a position of international leadership.

The concept of seismic resilient structural systems has been introduced, with a systematic investigation of novel systems including self-centering frames, self-centering shear walls, and shear walls with replaceable coupling beams. The research findings have been successfully demonstrated in engineering applications within high-intensity seismic zones.