Structural performance of state-of-the-art VectorBloc modular connector under axial loads

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 183; pp. 496 - 509
• Main Authors: Dhanapal, Jothiarun, Ghaednia, Hossein, Das, Sreekanta, Velocci, Jonathan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 15.03.2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Axial compression loads; Axial loads; Axial stress; Bearing strength; Carrying capacity; Cast-steel connector; Compression; Connectors; Design improvements; Design loads; Experimental methods; Finite element method; Hollow structural steel; Load carrying capacity; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Modular construction; Numerical methods; Steel; Steel construction; Stiffness; Structural behavior; Structural steels; Tension; Test procedures; Cast-steel connector; Modular construction; Hollow structural steel; Axial loads; Design loads; Design improvements
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.01.023

•This paper presents a state-of-the-art cast-steel connector to be used in HSS modular construction.•This study ensures satisfactory performance of the HSS modular connection under axial design loads.•Two significant design improvements are recommended based on a parametric study.•The connector weight can be reduced up to 20% without compromising the design load requirements.•The location of the screws can be adjusted to significantly increase axial tension load capacity. The popularity of steel modular construction is on the rise. This paper presents a new and innovative modular steel construction which uses state-of-the-art cast-steel connectors and hollow structural steel members. Structural behavior of a typical corner connection of this modular construction to be used in an assisted living facility was studied when the connection is subject to axial tension and axial compression loads. The study was completed using both experimental method and a numerical method. Six full-scale specimens were built and tested under axial compression and axial tension. It was found that this innovative modular connection satisfactorily carries the design loads. Based on the parametric study completed using finite element method, two significant design improvements are recommended. The cast-steel connector can be made 20% lighter without compromising the strength needed to satisfy the design loads. The locations of the connecting screws can be adjusted to achieve a higher stiffness and load carrying capacity of the connection when subjected to axial tension. This paper presents the new modular construction method in brief, the test method and test results, development of finite element model, and parametric study.