Damper distribution rule with equivalent linearization method on seismic control retrofit for overseas brittle RC buildings was proposed by the authors. However, this result is not necessarily proved as optimal. Recently, Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied to solve numerous kinds of structural optimization problems, mainly in the range of static analysis. In this paper, the optimization method of damper distribution with GA using elasto-plastic dynamic analysis for multi degree of freedom shear spring model is proposed. By using proposed optimization method, the optimal damper distribution, defined as minimum damper distribution satisfying the target story drift angle for seismic retrofit, is obtained. Finally, comparison of the results with GA and solutions with equivalent linearization method is represented and the effectiveness of proposed damper distribution rule is discussed.
