Evaluation of the Structural Performance of a Novel Methodology for Connecting Modular Units Using Straight and Cross-Shaped Connector Plates in Modular Buildings

The strength capacity of modular buildings is determined by the weakest part, and connections between modular units are often weaker than the modular units themselves. Thus, to verify the safety of modular structures, the structural performance of connections between modular units should be evaluated; the practical suitability of connection methods under a range of construction conditions should also be determined. In conventional modular building structures, modular units are generally connected using bolts between connector plates, interlocking devices, or steel plate welding. However, current methods are not technically or practically suitable for all types of modular buildings, such as high-rise modular buildings. Here, we describe a novel technology for connecting modular units to ensure the safety of modular structures. In this study, straight and cross-shaped metal connectors that use rectangular tubular columns and channel beams were proposed for connecting modules. Their structural performance was evaluated through cyclic loading tests by controlling the story drift angle in the width and longitudinal directions. The experimental results demonstrated that all specimens exhibited relatively stable behavior up to a drift angle of 0.04 rad, and there was a superior response in terms of energy absorption capability in the longitudinal direction results compared to the width direction. However, in comparison to the cross-shaped connector plate, the stiffness of the straight connector plate decreased as the drift angle of the column increased.