• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.273-289
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• 2020

Due to the unique construction method of modular steel buildings (MSBs) with units prefabricated fully off the site and assembled quickly on the site, the inter-module connection for easy operation and overall performance of the system were key issues. However, it was a lack of relevant research on the system-level performance of MSBs. This study investigated the seismic performance of two-storey modular steel structure with a proposed vertical rotary inter-module connection. Three full-scale quasi-static tests, with and without corrugated steel plate and its combination, were carried out to evaluate and compare their seismic behaviour. The hysteretic performance, skeleton curves, ductile performance, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and deformation pattern were clarified. The results showed that good ductility and plastic deformation ability of such modular steel structures. Two lateral-force resistance mechanisms with different layout combinations were also discussed in detail. The corrugated steel plate could significantly improve the lateral stiffness and bearing capacity of the modular steel structure. The cooperative working mechanism of modules and inter-module connections was further analyzed. When the lateral stiffness of upper and lower modular structures was close, limited bending moment transfer may be considered for the inter-module connection. While a large lateral stiffness difference existed initially between the upper and lower structures, an obvious gap occurred at the inter-module connection, and this gap may significantly influence the bending moments transferred by the inter-module connections. Meanwhile, several design recommendations of inter-module connections were also given for the application of MSBs.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• 제19권6호
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• pp.1403-1419
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• 2015

When precast concrete infill panels are connected to steel frames at discrete locations, interaction at the structural interface is neither complete nor absent. The contribution of precast concrete infill panels to the lateral stiffness and strength of steel frames can be significant depending on the quality, quantity and location of the discrete interface connections. This paper presents preliminary experimental and finite element results of an investigation into the composite behaviour of a square steel frame with a precast concrete infill panel subject to lateral loading. The panel is connected at the corners to the ends of the top and bottom beams. The Frame-to-Panel-Connection, FPC4 between steel beam and concrete panel consists of two parts. A T-section with five achor bars welded to the top of the flange is cast in at the panel corner at a forty five degree angle. The triangularly shaped web of the T-section is reinforced against local buckling with a stiffener plate. The second part consists of a triangular gusset plate which is welded to the beam flange. Two bolts acting in shear connect the gusset plate to the web of the T-section. This way the connection can act in tension or compression. Experimental pull-out tests on individual connections allowed their load deflection characteristics to be established. A full scale experiment was performed on a one-storey one-bay 3 by 3 m infilled frame structure which was horizontally loaded at the top. With the characteristics of the frame-to-panel connections obtained from the experiments on individual connections, finite element analyses were performed on the infilled frame structures taking geometric and material non-linear behaviour of the structural components into account. The finite element model yields reasonably accurate results. This allows the model to be used for further parametric studies.