Work

Experimental, numerical simulation and design methodology for a novel sleeve fully bolted joint in modular buildings

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Modular construction has been widely adopted globally due to its significant construction efficiency and environmental benefits, demonstrating substantial market potential. To expand the application scope of modular construction and address the insufficient quantity and uneven distribution of urban sports facilities, the authors and their research team previously proposed a novel modular stadium building. As the connection joint is the most critical load-bearing component in this novel structural system, the authors developed an innovative internal sleeve-full bolt connection joint and investigated the mechanical performance of T-shaped and cruciform connection joints. To comprehensively explore the mechanical behavior of this novel joint, this study investigates the lateral mechanical performance of the proposed connection joint through experimental testing, numerical simulation, and theoretical analysis, based on prior research. First, the structural design of the novel joint was analyzed, and full-scale static tests were conducted on the joint specimens. Experimental results were used to establish validated numerical models for refined analysis. To identify factors influencing the initial stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity of the joint, finite element parametric analyses were performed on the internal sleeve thickness, stiffener thickness, and beam-column cross-sectional dimensions. Finally, a simplified analytical model was developed, and theoretical design formulas for the novel joint were derived. The prediction errors of the theoretical formulas were mostly below 10 %, confirming their applicability in engineering design. Additionally, a design procedure for the joint was provided. The research findings and methodologies presented in this paper can serve as a reference for related studies and contribute to the advancement of modular construction technology.

Source: Journal of Constructional Steel Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2025.109763

Authors: Chang-jun Zhong, Qi Cai, Zheng Chen, Xiaomei Ning, Ze Hui, Hu-yang Li

Institutions: Guangxi University, Hohai University, Guangxi Vocational and Technical College of Safety Engineering, Southeast University

Language: English

Topic: Structural Load-Bearing Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,310