Abstract: Aiming at the demand of seismic performance optimization of frame structure in high intensity area, this paper solves the problem of empirical research on seismic design of this kind of structure and the lack of response data of damper under rare earthquake. This study takes the frame structure of a middle school in high intensity area as an example to carry out the application research of energy dissipation technology. In this study, ETABS and PERFORM-3D software were used to establish the refined model of traditional structure (ST0) without energy dissipation device and damping structure (ST1) with 8 viscous dampers on 1~2 floors. According to the specification, 5 natural strong earthquake records and 2 artificial simulated time history waves were selected. The structural response under frequent earthquakes was studied by elastic time history analysis. The seismic performance evaluation under rare earthquakes was completed by elastic-plastic time history analysis. The core parameters such as inter-story shear force, inter-story displacement angle, damper output and displacement of the two types of structures were compared and analyzed. The results show that the maximum reduction of interlayer shear force of ST1 structure under frequent earthquakes is 7%, and the maximum reduction of interlayer displacement angle is 38%. Under rare earthquakes, the maximum inter-story displacement angles of ST1 structure in X and Y directions are 1/85 and 1/92, respectively, which are far lower than the standard limit of 1/50. The peak output of damper is 223 kN, which only accounts for 74.3% of the design bearing capacity. The average displacement is 11 mm, which does not reach the ultimate working state. The research confirms that the viscous dampers are slowly arranged on the 1~2 floors of the frame structure in the high intensity area, which can effectively avoid the generation of weak layers, significantly reduce the seismic response of the structure and control the damage of the main structure. The working performance of the dampers is stable and sufficient safety margin is left, which can achieve the seismic fortification goal of" no damage under frequent earthquakes and no collapse under rare earthquakes." The applicability and reliability of the viscous damper energy dissipation and shock absorption technology in the frame structure in the high intensity area are verified, which provides engineering data support and practical basis for the shock absorption design of important public buildings such as schools in high intensity areas.