Mechanical Behaviors of Inter-Module Connections and Assembled Joints in Modular Steel Buildings: A Comprehensive Review

• Published in: Buildings (Basel) 2023-07, Vol.13 (7), p.1727
• Main Authors: Yang, Chen, Xu, Bo, Xia, Junwu, Chang, Hongfei, Chen, Xiaomiao, Ma, Renwei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Building construction; Buildings; Construction industry; High rise buildings; Joints; load transferring path; Mechanical properties; Modular construction; modular steel building; module-to-module connection; Modules; Onsite; Seismic engineering; simplified model; Steel; Steel construction; Steel structures
• ISSN: 2075-5309; 2075-5309
• DOI: 10.3390/buildings13071727

Modular steel buildings offer the advantages of time-saving construction, reduced on-site work, and less resource waste. The mechanical behavior of modular connections is complex, depending on the type of connecting method and the load-transferring path. The aim of this paper is to offer an overview of the methods for creating inter-module connections. First, we discuss the existing inter-module connections, including vertical connections, horizontal connections, and module-to-concrete-core-wall connections. Then, the mechanical performance and simplified models of the inter-module connections are reviewed in detail; these have a significant influence on the development of modular steel buildings. Finally, the prospects of module-to-module connection are summarized. Despite the increasing amount of research that explores module-to-module connections, fully modular buildings have not yet been achieved, hindering the further development and use of modular steel buildings. In this context, self-locking connections and laminated double-beam connections are proposed, with the aim of promoting the increased use of modular steel buildings.