New interlocking inter-module connection for modular steel buildings: Experimental and numerical studies

Andrew William Lacey, W. Chen, Hong Hao, Kaiming Bi

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

To improve the constructability and performance of modular buildings, a number of inter-module connections have been developed, each with their own associated advantages and disadvantages. Interlocking inter-module connections have emerged as a promising type of improvement; however, it is not clear how to provide the required installation tolerance without allowing slip. At the same time, the existing model for the shear force-slip behaviour is known to be inadequate. This study introduces a novel interlocking inter-module connection which combines structural bolts with interlocking elements to improve the constructability and shear force-slip behaviour. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the shear force-slip behaviour of the proposed connection. The effects of the interlocking elements, bolt preload, hole tolerance, and fabrication and assembly tolerance on the shear behaviour are evaluated and discussed. Numerical simulations were carried out to support the experimental program, following which the distinguishing features of the force-slip behaviour were examined, and an empirical model was proposed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number109465
JournalEngineering Structures
Volume198
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bolted connection
  • Inter-module connection
  • Modular building
  • Slip resistance
  • Stiffness

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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