Numerical analysis on a reversible connection for steel modular buildings

Modular buildings are a new type of structural system composed by prefabricated modular units and assembled on site through inter-modular connections. These structures can form complete building blocks with suspended ceilings and installations, including electrical and water systems. These modular solutions can be adapted to any use like hospitals, housing schools, etc. This work focuses on the analysis of structural behavior on a reversible steel connection modelling with finite element approach. To this scope, in the paper an ideal case study is considered, characterized by steel elements. The modules are assembled by inter-module connections that allow for rapid assembly onsite, without any need of skilled workmanship reducing the welding and the use of bolts. Therefore, Midas Fea NX is used to define the contact between steel elements in detail

NUMERICAL ANALYSIS ON A REVERSIBLE CONNECTION FOR STEEL MODULAR BUILDINGS

Modular buildings are a new type of structural system composed by prefabricated modular units and assembled on site through inter-modular connections. These structures can form complete building blocks with suspended ceilings and installations, including electrical and water systems. These modular solutions can be adapted to any use like hospitals, housing schools, etc. This work focuses on the analysis of structural behavior on a reversible steel connection modelling with finite element approach. To this scope, in the paper an ideal case study is considered, characterized by steel elements. The modules are assembled by inter-module connections that allow for rapid assembly on- site, without any need of skilled workmanship reducing the welding and the use of bolts. Therefore, Midas Fea NX is used to define the contact between steel elements in detail

Seismic behaviour of steel modular buildings: numerical analysis and comparisons between different design solutions

Recently, there is an increasing interest to develop modular multi-storey structures that can be adapted to any use like hospitals, schools, housing, etc, characterized by versatility and speed of use in several conditions. Modular buildings may form complete building blocks with structural systems composed by several elements, such as steel frames, X-LAM timber floors and walls. These modular solutions are then completed with suspended ceilings and facilities including electrical and water systems. This work is focused on the structural behaviour of steel modular buildings with different configurations. To this scope, a case study is considered, characterized by steel elements with connections allowing a rapid on-site assemblage, without any need of skilled workmanship. A comparison among numerical results obtained with time history analyses is shown and discussed. The work presented is a first part of an on-going research addressed to propose reference solutions for modules, suitable in seismic prone areas and characterized by a low-seismic damage