Evaluation of the Structural Performance of a Novel Methodology for Connecting Modular Units Using Straight and Cross-Shaped Connector Plates in Modular Buildings

Sang-Sup Lee,Keum-Sung Park,Ju-Seong Jung,Kang-Seok Lee

doi:10.3390/app10228186

Sang-Sup Lee, Keum-Sung Park + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app10228186

Copy DOI

Abstract

The strength capacity of modular buildings is determined by the weakest part, and connections between modular units are often weaker than the modular units themselves. Thus, to verify the safety of modular structures, the structural performance of connections between modular units should be evaluated; the practical suitability of connection methods under a range of construction conditions should also be determined. In conventional modular building structures, modular units are generally connected using bolts between connector plates, interlocking devices, or steel plate welding. However, current methods are not technically or practically suitable for all types of modular buildings, such as high-rise modular buildings. Here, we describe a novel technology for connecting modular units to ensure the safety of modular structures. In this study, straight and cross-shaped metal connectors that use rectangular tubular columns and channel beams were proposed for connecting modules. Their structural performance was evaluated through cyclic loading tests by controlling the story drift angle in the width and longitudinal directions. The experimental results demonstrated that all specimens exhibited relatively stable behavior up to a drift angle of 0.04 rad, and there was a superior response in terms of energy absorption capability in the longitudinal direction results compared to the width direction. However, in comparison to the cross-shaped connector plate, the stiffness of the straight connector plate decreased as the drift angle of the column increased.

Highlights

Different connection methods are used for modular structures depending on the main materials that the modules are composed of, their shape, and the method of load transfer
About the structural performance and behavior of the connections were drawn through experiments on modular units connected with straight and cross-shaped connector plates
Plates, interlocking devices, and welding are currently used for such connections, but welding should be avoided to improve the interior and exterior finish of the modular units

Summary

Introduction

Different connection methods are used for modular structures depending on the main materials that the modules are composed of, their shape, and the method of load transfer. In the research conducted by Lawson et al [1], steel was the main module material, and box type frames with columns and beams were the conventional module shapes. Mills et al [2] described stacking modules to fabricate low-rise buildings, with stabilization systems such as braces added for medium-rise buildings, and lateral force-resisting systems (such as concrete cores or reinforcement frames) used for high-rise buildings. For steel-framed buildings, the lateral force has to be resisted as well as the gravitational load, and the number of stacked modules is limited if there is no separate lateral force-resisting system.

Methods

Results

Conclusion