Axial Performance of a New Self-Locking and Rapid-Unlocking Inter-Module Connection for Modular Steel Construction

IF 5.7 1区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, CIVIL

Thin-Walled Structures Pub Date : 2025-03-22 DOI:10.1016/j.tws.2025.113202

Jun-Yi Lian , Wen-Yuan Zhang , Yu-Kun Ding , Andrew William Lacey , Wensu Chen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Module-to-module connections are critical for assembly and disassembly efficiency of modular steel constructions, particularly for temporary modular buildings. However, existing module-to-module connections fail to meet the requirements of both Self-Locking and Rapid-Unlocking (SelRU) at the same time. To address this issue, this paper proposes an innovative SelRU inter-module connection featuring a self-locking mechanism inspired by door lock and a disassembly method using an unlocking tool inserted from the top of the modular column. Firstly, the assembly and disassembly processes were assessed using 3D-printed prototype and steel prototype. Three specimens with different loading protocols and heights of the lock cylinder were employed to investigate the axial performance of the proposed connection. The functional feasibility and efficiency during disassembly and reassembly were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. In addition, finite element models were developed and validated against the experimental results. The initiation and propagation of plastic deformation of the proposed connection under tension were revealed by analyzing the distribution and development of equivalent plastic strain at the specific points on the latch bolt and lock cylinder. Then, the effect of steel grade and diameter of lock cylinder, height of strike plate, width of latch bolt, thickness and steel grade of upper end plate on the nominal yield load, ultimate load and the stiffness of the SelRU connection under tension were discussed. Finally, a theoretical model of the proposed connection under tensile load was developed and validated against experimental and numerical results.

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来源期刊

Thin-Walled Structures 工程技术-工程：土木

CiteScore

9.60

自引率

20.30%

发文量

801

审稿时长

66 days

期刊介绍： Thin-walled structures comprises an important and growing proportion of engineering construction with areas of application becoming increasingly diverse, ranging from aircraft, bridges, ships and oil rigs to storage vessels, industrial buildings and warehouses. Many factors, including cost and weight economy, new materials and processes and the growth of powerful methods of analysis have contributed to this growth, and led to the need for a journal which concentrates specifically on structures in which problems arise due to the thinness of the walls. This field includes cold– formed sections, plate and shell structures, reinforced plastics structures and aluminium structures, and is of importance in many branches of engineering. The primary criterion for consideration of papers in Thin–Walled Structures is that they must be concerned with thin–walled structures or the basic problems inherent in thin–walled structures. Provided this criterion is satisfied no restriction is placed on the type of construction, material or field of application. Papers on theory, experiment, design, etc., are published and it is expected that many papers will contain aspects of all three.