Fully-Modular Buildings Through a Proposed Inter-module Connection

Abstract

Modular buildings are built using factory manufactured building units or modules that are transported and assembled on-site. Among the many different types used, modules of volumetric form analogous to intermodal freight containers have the greatest potential to achieve complete building systems or fully-modular building systems where on-site work could be reduced to foundation, module assembly and the finishing of module-to-module interfaces as required. However, despite the many reported benefits, volumetric module use has some technical, logistical and regulatory issues that have constrained its widespread application. Two of such issues that have been widely reported are the lack of efficient structural systems for lateral load transfer and the lack of high-performance inter-module connections that can not only meet structural demands but can also fulfil certain constructional and manufacturing needs as well. Therefore, this paper focuses specifically on the latter of the two identified issues and briefly summarises the work conducted into its resolution.