Lateral resistance of multi-story modular buildings using tenon-connected inter-module connections

Abstract

In this paper, the lateral performance of multi-story modular buildings is investigated with the effect of a tenon-connected inter-module connection being taken into account. The inter-module connection consists of tenons and through-beam bolts to resist vertical and lateral loads, and the unique configuration allows it to be installed in absence of external access. However, the semi-rigid behaviour of the inter-module connection significantly affects the global performance of the structure. In this study, a simplified joint model is created using Timoshenko beam elements and spring elements within the ABAQUS framework, which substantially reduces the computational costs and makes the system-level analyses practical. Modal analysis and non-linear static (pushover) analysis are conducted on ten modular frames with various design parameters to investigate their performance under lateral loads. Three distinct local and global failure mechanisms are observed. The effects of the strong-column weak-beam configurations, foundation conditions, and axial force levels are discussed in terms of both strength and ductility. The seismic response of the modular frames is assessed using the displacement method, as specified in FEMA-356.