Theoretical and Numerical Studies on Seismic Performance of Fully Prefabricated Liftable Inter-Module Connections
En-Feng Deng , Ya-Jie Lian , Jun-Dong Gao , Yu-Han Wang , Wei Li
Earthquake Engineering and Resilience ›› 2026, Vol. 5 ›› Issue (2) : 217 -232.
Modular steel structures are a typical prefabricated form of assembled construction, and are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of China's construction industrialization due to their high construction efficiency and environmental sustainability. The mechanical performance of inter-module connections is critical to the overall seismic behavior of a structure. This study proposes a Fully Prefabricated Liftable Connection (FPLC) for modular steel structures. Quasi-static tests were conducted on two full-scale specimens to explore failure mechanisms, hysteresis characteristics, and energy dissipation patterns of FPLC with weakening beam-end. A refined finite element model was developed and validated against experimental results. Twelve parametric models were generated to explore the influence of beam-column sections and bolt configurations on the structural performance of FPLC. The analytical formulas were derived for the initial stiffness and bending capacity, together with a restoring force model. It can be concluded that the enhanced beam section significantly improves load-bearing and energy dissipation capacities with acceptable ductility reductions, while the weakening beam-end increases energy dissipation efficiency. The proposed theoretical formulas can provide guidance for engineering design of FPLC.
liftable inter-module connection / modular steel building / parametric analysis / seismic performance / theoretical analysis
2026 Tianjin University.
/
| 〈 |
|
〉 |
PDF
