Abstract
The merits of modular building construction in terms of improved quality control, high energy efficiency and minimising on-site construction activities are well known. Fully self-supporting volumetric modular steel buildings (referred to here as fully modular buildings), constructed from volumetric modules without lateral support from separate structural walls or braced frames, are typically low-rise because of limitations with their lateral stability which is wholly derived from the inter-module connections. This article introduces the design of a new form of construction featuring the use of superelastic tendons to restrain the rocking of the upper tower of a fully modular high-rise building about a pivot at the base podium. Rocking isolation of a vertically prestressed building tower enables the performance objectives to be set at low damage in a rare earthquake event. In ambient or windy conditions, the tower is held firm and its behaviour is likened to a conventional fixed-base high-rise building. The proposed design procedure is presented in a step-by-step format and is illustrated with a case study of a 24-storey fully modular building.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 111589 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | Journal of Building Engineering |
Volume | 99 |
Early online date | 24 Dec 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 24 Dec 2024 |
Keywords
- Design criteria
- Fully modular buildings
- Lateral stability
- Rocking isolation
- Superelastic tendon
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Architecture
- Building and Construction
- Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
- Mechanics of Materials