Non-linear time-history analysis of low-ductility reinforced concrete (RC) frames subjected to base excitations were performed numerically using DIANA and compared with experimental results. The crack and inelastic behavior of concrete as well as the plasticity of steel reinforcements were included in the numerical model. The capacity, ductility and crack pattern of the RC frames from the FE analysis matched the experimental results reasonably well, giving confidence to the model and the subsequent study of the fail-ure mechanism of the structure. The results also confirmed that such RC frames exhibit limited ductility and hence not suitable against sizeable base excitations.