A new strategy for structural control systems using passive devices is proposed. The proposed strategy does not rely on the uniform distribution of dampers. It has many merits over the conventional methods. First, some floors do not have any dampers so that flexible use the floor space is possible. Second, concentrated distribution of dampers will lower the installation cost. Third, the structural reliability is improved as the number of floors with dampers is reduced. The effectiveness of the strategy is further enhanced if it is possible to soften the stiffness of the story where dampers are installed. By doing so, the amount of the energy absorbed by the dampers installed in the story is significantly increased.
