Abstract: A new kind of RC frame-shear wall structures with partial columns sliding at upper ends is proposed in this paper, and the corresponding design procedures are suggested. Elastic-plastic analyses are conducted for both the proposed structures and conventional frame-shear wall structures, and their construction costs and earthquake responses are compared. Simulation results show that: (a) although the construction cost of the proposed structures is a little higher than that of the conventional frame-shear wall structures, the collapse-resisting capacity of the proposed structures is better than that of the conventional structures; and (b) in the case that the friction coefficients at the upper ends of partial sliding columns are in a certain range, the lateral stiffnesses of the proposed structures are similar to those of the conventional structures, this preventing the proposed structures from damage under a minor earthquake, and the vertical load bearing capacities of the proposed structures subjected to a major earthquake can be maintained, this preventing the proposed structures from collapse.