Seismic performance of multi-story modular box buildings

Abstract

In view of the increasing application of mid-rise modular box buildings, theoretical and numerical research of multi-story modular box buildings are necessary. The research presented in this article investigated the seismic behavior of the multi-story modular box buildings using numerical simulation. Modal analysis and analysis of buildings under frequent and rare earthquakes were conducted. To fulfill the building model, a simplified model of single container was established using the equivalent spring model and shear behavior of a single container was studied. In addition, the stiffness and capacity of four kinds of joints using in the building were calculated. The results show that the multi-story modular box buildings with the current joints do not satisfy the Chinese code, and new connections and structural systems are required for further application.