Advancing Modular Steel Structures: An Innovative Paradigm in Corner Connections for Enhanced Stability and Efficiency
Abstract
This research addresses the structural challenges inherent in modular steel connections, exploring innovative approaches beyond traditional methods. Pre-fabricated modular steel structure connections normally incorporate a combination of welding, bolts, plates, and innovative methods, including post-tensioning and corner box inter-locking techniques. These connections are usually tested in a cantilever beam setup to assess their strength and structural behavior. As the load increases, the connection's resistance decreases, materials weaken, and deflection grows steadily until structural failure occurs. This often results in a low slip resistance within the connection corner, highlighting the need for upgrading and enhancing corner connections in pre-fabricated modular steel structures. Previous studies have mainly focused on variations of traditional techniques, such as different bolt setups and plate thicknesses for square sections of hollow steel members. This research proposes and analyzes a novel corner fitting connection applicable for connecting four modular units, forming an inter-sliding box design. The proposed connection, secured by bolts, significantly reduces construction time, eliminates the need for expert labor, and minimizes human error. The static finite element analysis demonstrates that the performance of the proposed inter-modular connection consistently falls within the rigid of both Eurocode and UK standards for service load, transitioning to semi-rigid towards the ultimate. Additionally, substantial improvements in displacement along the X, Y, and Z directions at the connection point and an increase in the initial rotation from 18.3 KN.m to 85 KN.m highlight the effectiveness of the proposed technique in enhancing pre-fabricated modular steel connections.
References
Abdelmageed, S., & Zayed, T. (2020). A study of literature in modular integrated construction-Critical review and future directions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 277, 124044
Chen, Z., Liu, J., Yu, Y., Zhou, C., & Yan, R. (2017). Experimental study of an innovative modular steel building connection. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 139, 69–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2017.09.008
Chen, Z., Niu, X., Liu, J., Khan, K., & Liu, Y. (2021). Seismic study on an innovative fully-bolted beam-column joint in prefabricated modular steel buildings. Engineering Structures, 234(February), 111875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.111875
Chua, Y. S., Liew, J. R., & Pang, S. D. (2020). Modelling of connections and lateral behavior of high-rise modular steel buildings. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 166, 105901
Chua, Y. S., Liew, J. R., & Pang, S. D. (2020). Modelling of connections and lateral behavior of high-rise modular steel buildings. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 166, 105901.
Corfar, D. A., & Tsavdaridis, K. D. (2022). A comprehensive review and classification of inter-module connections for hot-rolled steel modular building systems. Journal of Building Engineering, 50, 104006
Deng, E. F., Zong, L., Ding, Y., Zhang, Z., Zhang, J. F., Shi, F. W., ... & Gao, S. C. (2020). Seismic performance of mid-to-high rise modular steel construction-A critical review. Thin-Walled Structures, 155, 106924
Gatheeshgar, P., Poologanathan, K., Gunalan, S., Shyha, I., Sherlock, P., Rajanayagam, H., & Nagaratnam, B. (2021, June). Development of affordable steel-framed modular buildings for emergency situations (Covid-19). In Structures (Vol. 31, pp. 862-875). Elsevier
Harmon, J. R., & Varma, A. H. (2021). Local buckling of steel faceplates anchored to concrete infill in C-PSW/CF. Thin-Walled Structures, 167, 108230
Karlsen, F. T., & Aalberg, A. (2012). Bolted Rhs End-Plate Joints in Axial Tension. (September), 1–12.
Kartheek, T., & Das, T. V. (2020). 3D Modelling and analysis of encased steel-concrete composite column using Abaqus. Materials Today: Proceedings, 27, 1545–1554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.03.200
Lacey, A. W., Chen, W., Hao, H., & Bi, K. (2018). Structural response of modular buildings – An overview. Journal of Building Engineering, 16(December 2017), 45–56.
Lacey, A. W., Chen, W., Hao, H., & Bi, K. (2019b). New interlocking inter-module connection for modular steel buildings: Experimental and numerical studies. Engineering Structures, 198(August), 109465.
Lacey, A. W., Chen, W., Hao, H., Bi, K., & Tallowin, F. J. (2019d). Shear behavior of post-tensioned inter-module connection for modular steel buildings. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 162, 105707.
Lee, S. H., Kang, J. H., Kim, J. W., & Lee, D. H. (2020). Post-tensioned concrete structures: Design and construction considerations. Materials and Structures, 43(6), 1823-1835.
Lian, J. Y., Deng, E. F., He, J. M., Cai, L. M., Gao, S. C., & Zhou, J. J. (2021, October). Numerical analysis on seismic performance of corner fitting connection in modular steel building. In Structures (Vol. 33, pp. 1659-1676). Elsevier
Liu, X. C., Pu, S. H., Zhang, A. L., & Zhan, X. X. (2017). Performance analysis and design of bolted connections in modularized prefabricated steel structures. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 133, 360–373.
Loizou, L., Barati, K., Shen, X., & Li, B. (2021). Quantifying advantages of modular construction: Waste generation. Buildings, 11(12), 622
Luo, F. J., Bai, Y., Hou, J., & Huang, Y. (2019). Progressive collapse analysis and structural robustness of steel-framed modular buildings. Engineering Failure Analysis, 104(May), 643–656
Molavi, J., & Barral, D. L. (2016). A Construction Procurement Method to Achieve Sustainability in Modular Construction. Procedia Engineering, 145, 1362–1369.
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Abu Bakar, N., Abd Karim, I., Mohd Nasir, N.A. Finite element analysis of proposed self-locking joint for modular steel structures, Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 2021, 11(19), 927
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Bakar, N.A., Karim, I.A., Mohd Nasir, N.A. (2023). Experimental and numerical study of self-locking adaptable inter connection for modular steel structures, Journal of Building Engineering, 65, 105723.
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Bakar, N.A., Karim, I.A., Nasir, N.A.M. (2022). Evaluation of slip behaviour of self-locking modular steel connection, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 197, 107467.
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Bakar, N.A., Karim, I.A., Nasir, N.A.M. Connection design in modular steel construction: A review, Structures, 2021, 33, pp. 3239–3256
Navaratnam, S., Ngo, T., Gunawardena, T., & Henderson, D. (2019). Performance Review of Prefabricated Building Systems and Future Research in Australia. 1–14.
Sanches, R. M., Mercan, A. M., & Roberts, M. (2018). Shear force-displacement behavior of post-tensioned concrete structures. Construction and Building Materials, 183, 34-45.
Sendanayake, R. A., Navaratnam, V. G., Gunawardena, C. J., & Henderson, L. (2021). Improved performance of post-tensioned concrete structures with increased thickness of hollow structural sections. Construction and Building Materials, 270, 115-1164.
Shi, F., Wang, H., Zong, L., Ding, Y., & Su, J. (2020). Seismic behavior of high-rise modular steel constructions with various module layouts. Journal of Building Engineering, 31, 101396
Thirunavukkarasu, K., Kanthasamy, E., Gatheeshgar, P., Poologanathan, K., Rajanayagam, H., Suntharalingam, T., & Dissanayake, M. (2021). Sustainable performance of a modular building system made of built-up cold-formed steel beams. Buildings, 11(10), 460
Wang, Q., & Su, M. (2021). Stability study on sway modular steel structures with semi-rigid connections. Thin-Walled Structures, 161, 107529.
Wang, X., Li, B., & Li, Q. (2013). Bolt connection status monitoring: A review of methods for bolted structure monitoring. Construction and Building Materials, 26, 87-96.
Yang, C., Wang, X., Wang, Q., & Ou, J. (2023). Seismic performance of cruciform bolted joints with various reinforcing details in modular steel construction. Engineering Structures, 285, 116069
Zhang, H., Li, J., Liu, C., & Wang, M. (2021). Research progress on interlocking modular connections for construction. Construction and Building Materials, 265, 1129-1135.
Zhang, H., Li, J., Liu, C., & Wang, M. (2022). Post-tensioning technology in building structures: Application and design guidelines. Construction and Building Materials, 292, 1192-1198.
Zheng, T., Lu, Y., Seeam, A., Usmani, A., & Laurenson, D. (2012a). Characterization and Monitoring of Seismic Performance of Post-Tensioned Steel Modular Structures. 15th WCEE Lisbon 2012.
Chen, Z., Liu, J., Yu, Y., Zhou, C., & Yan, R. (2017). Experimental study of an innovative modular steel building connection. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 139, 69–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2017.09.008
Chen, Z., Niu, X., Liu, J., Khan, K., & Liu, Y. (2021). Seismic study on an innovative fully-bolted beam-column joint in prefabricated modular steel buildings. Engineering Structures, 234(February), 111875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.111875
Chua, Y. S., Liew, J. R., & Pang, S. D. (2020). Modelling of connections and lateral behavior of high-rise modular steel buildings. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 166, 105901
Chua, Y. S., Liew, J. R., & Pang, S. D. (2020). Modelling of connections and lateral behavior of high-rise modular steel buildings. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 166, 105901.
Corfar, D. A., & Tsavdaridis, K. D. (2022). A comprehensive review and classification of inter-module connections for hot-rolled steel modular building systems. Journal of Building Engineering, 50, 104006
Deng, E. F., Zong, L., Ding, Y., Zhang, Z., Zhang, J. F., Shi, F. W., ... & Gao, S. C. (2020). Seismic performance of mid-to-high rise modular steel construction-A critical review. Thin-Walled Structures, 155, 106924
Gatheeshgar, P., Poologanathan, K., Gunalan, S., Shyha, I., Sherlock, P., Rajanayagam, H., & Nagaratnam, B. (2021, June). Development of affordable steel-framed modular buildings for emergency situations (Covid-19). In Structures (Vol. 31, pp. 862-875). Elsevier
Harmon, J. R., & Varma, A. H. (2021). Local buckling of steel faceplates anchored to concrete infill in C-PSW/CF. Thin-Walled Structures, 167, 108230
Karlsen, F. T., & Aalberg, A. (2012). Bolted Rhs End-Plate Joints in Axial Tension. (September), 1–12.
Kartheek, T., & Das, T. V. (2020). 3D Modelling and analysis of encased steel-concrete composite column using Abaqus. Materials Today: Proceedings, 27, 1545–1554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.03.200
Lacey, A. W., Chen, W., Hao, H., & Bi, K. (2018). Structural response of modular buildings – An overview. Journal of Building Engineering, 16(December 2017), 45–56.
Lacey, A. W., Chen, W., Hao, H., & Bi, K. (2019b). New interlocking inter-module connection for modular steel buildings: Experimental and numerical studies. Engineering Structures, 198(August), 109465.
Lacey, A. W., Chen, W., Hao, H., Bi, K., & Tallowin, F. J. (2019d). Shear behavior of post-tensioned inter-module connection for modular steel buildings. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 162, 105707.
Lee, S. H., Kang, J. H., Kim, J. W., & Lee, D. H. (2020). Post-tensioned concrete structures: Design and construction considerations. Materials and Structures, 43(6), 1823-1835.
Lian, J. Y., Deng, E. F., He, J. M., Cai, L. M., Gao, S. C., & Zhou, J. J. (2021, October). Numerical analysis on seismic performance of corner fitting connection in modular steel building. In Structures (Vol. 33, pp. 1659-1676). Elsevier
Liu, X. C., Pu, S. H., Zhang, A. L., & Zhan, X. X. (2017). Performance analysis and design of bolted connections in modularized prefabricated steel structures. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 133, 360–373.
Loizou, L., Barati, K., Shen, X., & Li, B. (2021). Quantifying advantages of modular construction: Waste generation. Buildings, 11(12), 622
Luo, F. J., Bai, Y., Hou, J., & Huang, Y. (2019). Progressive collapse analysis and structural robustness of steel-framed modular buildings. Engineering Failure Analysis, 104(May), 643–656
Molavi, J., & Barral, D. L. (2016). A Construction Procurement Method to Achieve Sustainability in Modular Construction. Procedia Engineering, 145, 1362–1369.
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Abu Bakar, N., Abd Karim, I., Mohd Nasir, N.A. Finite element analysis of proposed self-locking joint for modular steel structures, Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 2021, 11(19), 927
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Bakar, N.A., Karim, I.A., Mohd Nasir, N.A. (2023). Experimental and numerical study of self-locking adaptable inter connection for modular steel structures, Journal of Building Engineering, 65, 105723.
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Bakar, N.A., Karim, I.A., Nasir, N.A.M. (2022). Evaluation of slip behaviour of self-locking modular steel connection, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 197, 107467.
Nadeem, G., Safiee, N.A., Bakar, N.A., Karim, I.A., Nasir, N.A.M. Connection design in modular steel construction: A review, Structures, 2021, 33, pp. 3239–3256
Navaratnam, S., Ngo, T., Gunawardena, T., & Henderson, D. (2019). Performance Review of Prefabricated Building Systems and Future Research in Australia. 1–14.
Sanches, R. M., Mercan, A. M., & Roberts, M. (2018). Shear force-displacement behavior of post-tensioned concrete structures. Construction and Building Materials, 183, 34-45.
Sendanayake, R. A., Navaratnam, V. G., Gunawardena, C. J., & Henderson, L. (2021). Improved performance of post-tensioned concrete structures with increased thickness of hollow structural sections. Construction and Building Materials, 270, 115-1164.
Shi, F., Wang, H., Zong, L., Ding, Y., & Su, J. (2020). Seismic behavior of high-rise modular steel constructions with various module layouts. Journal of Building Engineering, 31, 101396
Thirunavukkarasu, K., Kanthasamy, E., Gatheeshgar, P., Poologanathan, K., Rajanayagam, H., Suntharalingam, T., & Dissanayake, M. (2021). Sustainable performance of a modular building system made of built-up cold-formed steel beams. Buildings, 11(10), 460
Wang, Q., & Su, M. (2021). Stability study on sway modular steel structures with semi-rigid connections. Thin-Walled Structures, 161, 107529.
Wang, X., Li, B., & Li, Q. (2013). Bolt connection status monitoring: A review of methods for bolted structure monitoring. Construction and Building Materials, 26, 87-96.
Yang, C., Wang, X., Wang, Q., & Ou, J. (2023). Seismic performance of cruciform bolted joints with various reinforcing details in modular steel construction. Engineering Structures, 285, 116069
Zhang, H., Li, J., Liu, C., & Wang, M. (2021). Research progress on interlocking modular connections for construction. Construction and Building Materials, 265, 1129-1135.
Zhang, H., Li, J., Liu, C., & Wang, M. (2022). Post-tensioning technology in building structures: Application and design guidelines. Construction and Building Materials, 292, 1192-1198.
Zheng, T., Lu, Y., Seeam, A., Usmani, A., & Laurenson, D. (2012a). Characterization and Monitoring of Seismic Performance of Post-Tensioned Steel Modular Structures. 15th WCEE Lisbon 2012.
Published
2024-03-31
How to Cite
MOLANY, Hamed et al.
Advancing Modular Steel Structures: An Innovative Paradigm in Corner Connections for Enhanced Stability and Efficiency.
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering Innovation, [S.l.], v. 6, n. 1, p. 40-51, mar. 2024.
Available at: <https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijarei/article/view/26132>. Date accessed: 13 sep. 2024.
Section
Articles
