A new strategy for elastic modulus adjustment is proposed based on the element bearing ratio (EBR), and the elastic modulus reduction method (EMRM) is proposed for limit load evaluation of frame structures. The EBR is defined employing the generalized yield criterion, and the reference EBR is determined by introducing the extrema and the degree of uniformity of EBR in the structure. The elastic modulus in the element with an EBR greater than the reference one is reduced based on the linear elastic finite element analysis and the equilibrium of strain energy. The lower-bound of limit-loads of frame structures are analyzed and the numerical example demonstrates the flexibility, accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.