Analytical and Numerical Analysis on a New Type of Bolted Connection for Modular Steel Construction

Modular steel construction (MSC) has exhibited widespread applications in civil engineering. The inter-module connection is a key issue for the seismic performance of MSC. A detailed finite element model (FEM) of a new type of bolted connection was firstly developed. Its accuracy was validated by comparing numerical results with previous experimental results in terms of hysteretic curve and failure mode. A theoretical mechanical model was developed and its capabilities on predictions of initial rotational stiffness and ultimate moment resistance of the connection were checked through validations against test results. Further, a parametric study on several specimens with different axial load ratios, boundary conditions and section of the beams was conducted. The prediction capability of the theoretical model on seismic behavior of the connection with different beam sections was checked by comparing the skeleton curves of FEA results with theoretical ones. Subsequently, a simplified FEM was established and validated to accelerate the numerical simulation of the seismic performance of the connection.