Modular Steel Structure Research Articles

Experimental study on seismic behavior of two-storey modular structure

Due to the unique construction method of modular steel buildings (MSBs) with units prefabricated fully off the site and assembled quickly on the site, the inter-module connection for easy operation and overall performance of the system were key issues. However, it was a lack of relevant research on the system-level performance of MSBs. This study investigated the seismic performance of two-storey modular steel structure with a proposed vertical rotary inter-module connection. Three full-scale quasi-static tests, with and without corrugated steel plate and its combination, were carried out to evaluate and compare their seismic behaviour. The hysteretic performance, skeleton curves, ductile performance, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and deformation pattern were clarified. The results showed that good ductility and plastic deformation ability of such modular steel structures. Two lateral-force resistance mechanisms with different layout combinations were also discussed in detail. The corrugated steel plate could significantly improve the lateral stiffness and bearing capacity of the modular steel structure. The cooperative working mechanism of modules and inter-module connections was further analyzed. When the lateral stiffness of upper and lower modular structures was close, limited bending moment transfer may be considered for the inter-module connection. While a large lateral stiffness difference existed initially between the upper and lower structures, an obvious gap occurred at the inter-module connection, and this gap may significantly influence the bending moments transferred by the inter-module connections. Meanwhile, several design recommendations of inter-module connections were also given for the application of MSBs.

Reshaping Dormitory by Modular Steel Structure

Modular steel structure with a 100% assembly rate, is one of significant methods to realize building industrialization. It has an extensive application prospect due to the short construction cycle and small impact on the surrounding environment.. Based on the characteristics of modular architecture, this paper takes the work of the 2018 Chinese College Students Steel Structure Innovation Competition as an example to discuss the design possibilities of student dormitories. However, due to production mode and transportation conditions, modular building also has some limitations for application. Through research on design, this paper makes the breakthroughs in the design limitations of modular building.

Experimental study on seismic behavior of steel strip reinforced CSPSWsin MBS

ABSTRACT Corrugated steel plate shear walls (CSPSWs) are widely used as exterior walls and efficient lateral load resisting systems in modular building structures (MBS). In practical construction, the CSPSWs are usually accommodated with door or window openings and reinforced with steel strips. The effect of the steel strip reinforcement needs to be evaluated. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the seismic behavior of steel strip reinforced CSPSWs in modular steel structures. Six full-scale specimens were constrained at corners and loaded with cyclic lateral load. The results showed that that failure mode of this lateral load resisting system for the modular building structures was the facture of the weld between the frame beams and columns. The steel strip reinforcement had little effect on the ultimate strength, but could improve the behavior of stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation.

Experimental investigations of vertical post-tensioned connection for modular steel structures

Modular construction is an off-site construction technique. In this method, structural volumetric modular components are produced in a factory and assembled on-site to form a larger, permanent building. Typical vertical connections of modular steel buildings (MSBs) are provided by on-site welding. Welding may interfere with the finishing of the modules and also when several modules are placed together at a given floor level complete access for welding is compromised. As an alternative to on-site welding, the present paper proposes a new vertical post-tensioned (PT) connection for MSBs. This connection is comprised of a post-tensioned threaded rod installed inside hollow structural sections (HSS) columns and a steel box placed between two modules. In order to evaluate the general and the seismic performance of the proposed connection, eight quasi-static cyclic loading tests were performed in T-shaped subassemblies. A combination of three different steel boxes and three initial post-tensioning loads levels were considered. Additionally, two quasi-static cyclic loading tests were performed using standard welded connections. No local buckling was observed in any of the specimens and no welding fractures occurred up to 3% drift demand. Results indicated that in comparison to the welded connection the proposed PT connection have similar lateral stiffness and strain distribution, and a higher cumulative energy dissipation capability. Therefore, the proposed connection has the potential to eliminate on-site welding in the assembly of the modules while providing the lateral resistance required.

AUTOMATION OF A STEEL WALL FRAMING ASSEMBLY

Modular construction has become increasingly popular in North America in recent years. In this emerging paradigm of building construction, building components are manufactured off site and then transported to the construction site for assembly. In Canada, automated modular steel structure fabrication is in high demand. Offsite manufacturing of steel wall frames for residential and commercial buildings provides timesaving and improvement of working conditions and morale that translates to improved productivity and safety performance. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of efficiently fabricating steel wall frames for offsite modular construction using automated assembly controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and connected in a cost-effective and efficient electrical installation and centralized communication by Fieldbus technology. In particular, this paper describes the control strategy used to automate a steel wall framing assembly that incorporates a PLC and Fieldbus technology.

모듈러 유닛 공장 생산성 향상을 위한 철골 부재 표준화에 관한 연구 - 함양·여수 병영시설 BTL 건설공사의 철골구조 프레임 생산을 대상으로 -

The purpose of this study is to propose of standardized modular steel structure unit for productivity enhancement of productivity in modular factory. For the verification, comparison review in various points of view between existing modular steel structure unit and standardized modular steel structure unit based on recently completion of modular system buildings. This research is suggestion of enhancement of standardized steel structure's members for better production workability. The research is based on (1) steel structure process which is most high rate (approximately 30%) of modular unit manufacturing process and (2) prototype unit size of among the most used in recently project. For the verification, comparison analysis between existing steel structure unit and standardized steel structure unit's manufacturing process. The research result, one modular unit of standardized steel structure manufacturing process is reducting (1) 250,042won production cost, (2) 3 hours and 49 minute of production time. Also, (3) increase the factory area availability of .