Connections in cold-formed steel modular building structure systems

Modular construction has been used for many years. Cold-formed steel with its advantages is commonly utilized in the modules. However, the challenge comes to the connections. Connections generally take substantial part of the expenditures. An easy erection and effective connection method could considerably achieve great cost saving and structural improvement. Current norms and specifications cannot cover the requirements in the design. This research investigated the connections in the cold-formed steel modular panel structure through experimental, analytical and numerical methods. FEMs were developed to predict the behaviours of the purlin-to-sheeting, stud-to-track and joist-to-post connections. A modified calculation method for the rotational stiffness of purlin-to-sheeting connection was proposed. This research also carried out parametric studies to figure out the influence of variables on connection performance. In the investigation, a series of tests about screw and bolt joints under pure and mixed loading scenarios were conducted. The results of the established FE models presented a great accordance with the test outcomes. The connection configurations applied in cold-formed steel panel system with high strength material were introduced in this research. It was proved that the proposed connecting methods can provide great improvement to the structural behaviour under normal and abnormal loading conditions