The strength and ductility capacities of several structural sections of members in typical reinforced concrete frames designed with Mexican Codes are calculated using analytical models for confined concrete and reinforcing steel. These ductility capacities are associated with global displacement ductilities in the RC frames using approximate methods of analysis described in this paper. Results obtained in this investigation are correlated with typical pattern of structural damage in RC frames observed during the 1985 Mexico Earthquake. Some aspects of the seismic performance of fully ductile frames designed according to the 1987 Mexico City Building Code are also discussed, as well as the effect of some mechanical properties of reinforcing steel on the strength and ductility of RC frames.