Abstract: Pseudo-static tests of the combined steel lead damper (CSLD) were carried out for the study of mechanical properties of CSLD, using electro-hydraulic servo press-shear machine. Shaking table tests of a 1:4 scale one-story steel structure model with CSLD were conducted for the study of cushioning effect of CSLD. Test results indicate that the structure’s inter-story displacement and acceleration responses are significantly reduced by the introduction of CSLD, which has full hysteresis loop and can control the structure’s seismic responses. The criterion to evaluate the performance of the damper and two additional conditions were put forward and Genetic algorithm was used to optimize the six geometric parameters of CSLD according to the criterion. Optimization results demonstrate that Genetic algorithm can facilitate the standardization of CSLD. Finally, seismic response analyses of a benchmark model of 20-story steel structure fixed with CSLD were carried out. Results of analyses indicate that CSLD has favorable vibration control effect on multi-story structure.