Lateral Behavior of Modular Steel Buildings with Diaphragm Connections

Abstract

Modular steel buildings are increasingly popular due to their high level of industrialization. Corner-supported modular steel buildings are typically connected by inter-module connections at the corners of each module without continuous diaphragm slab. Therefore, rigid diaphragm assumption could not be adopted when designing modular steel buildings as in-plane deformation of the slab level is significant. To address this issue, the present study introduces diaphragm connections along the edges of modules at the floor slab levels. Then the lateral behavior of modular steel buildings with and without diaphragm connections is evaluated, as well as when a rigid diaphragm is assumed in the structures. The effect of diaphragm connection on lateral behavior of modular steel building under different parameters is discussed, including modular aspect ratio, number of modules in one storey, bracing system, and number of storeys. It is concluded that using diaphragm connections could improve the lateral behavior of modular steel buildings and simplify the design process.