This thesis provides an insight into the design and analysis of controlled rock- ing structures. Rocking structures are allowed to uplift from the base under the seismic load, while the upper levels typically remain elastic. Therefore, the seismic energy can be dissipated using supplemental energy dissipaters at the base level. This localisation of energy dissipation protects the upper levels and particularly structural elements from absorbing response energy through sacri cial damage. The base rocking mechanism can be used in the design of a wide variety of structures including buildings, bridges, tanks, etc. Several experimental and numerical studies have shown the robustness of these rocking systems in mitigating the seismic excitations in a repeatable manner without any degradation in sti ness or strength. The herein thesis explores some design methods that are currently being used by engineering practitioners particularly in New Zealand and studies some recent attempts in developing simpli ed design procedures for rocking systems. Several com- puter models are developed to perform a large number of earthquake simu- lations to capture the behaviour of rocking structures. The modelling tech- nique is veri ed using analytical solutions and an experimental test by other researchers. The e ects of numerous structural properties on the accuracy of the design methods are investigated and their limitations and advantages are highlighted and improved methods are proposed. The improved methods are unique, simple to implement, and are in line with current New Zealand standards. Overall, signi cant progress is made towards the technology of rocking systems receiving uptake by the profession.