Based on the current methods of damage detection, a new detection damage model was proposed in order to search a more efficient detection method for reinforced concrete high-rise building damage induced by earthquake. This model is based on the regularity of change in the damping ratio of high-rise buildings, and the high order modes, mode participation coefficient and measure method of natural frequency, together with the type of structures, are taken into account in the model. The shaking test results for a model of reinforced concrete high-rise buildings show that the damage detection results based on the proposed model are close to the test results.