Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular Construction
Modular construction is characterized by assembling volumetric units on site. Once assembled on site, the structural integrity of modular buildings highly relies on connections that provide essential performance against critical loading conditions. Connections significantly impact field assembly act...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-02-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/2/496 |
| _version_ | 1827343944553332736 |
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| author | Laurence Picard Pierre Blanchet André Bégin-Drolet |
| author_facet | Laurence Picard Pierre Blanchet André Bégin-Drolet |
| author_sort | Laurence Picard |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Modular construction is characterized by assembling volumetric units on site. Once assembled on site, the structural integrity of modular buildings highly relies on connections that provide essential performance against critical loading conditions. Connections significantly impact field assembly activities, and previous research has highlighted the importance of their functional performance. In this study, the researchers focus on implementing automated connecting devices in a full-scale experimental project. It presents the implementation of a self-locking inter-modular connector and an investigation of the benefits and limitations of its application in modular building systems. This study also investigates the use of connectors as attachment points for modular handling and lifting. It evaluates the pros and cons of combining a single device’s connecting and lifting functions. The implementation of an automated connecting device in the building design process is covered as well as the evaluation of its impacts on architectural, structural, and functional considerations. Finally, the potential of automated connecting devices to improve modular building systems’ overall performance and efficiency is assessed, and guidelines are identified to facilitate their adoption. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:38:48Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-921f68d2bf8e48e3a17a5a1afb603c31 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T22:38:48Z |
| publishDate | 2024-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj.art-921f68d2bf8e48e3a17a5a1afb603c312024-02-23T15:10:24ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-02-0114249610.3390/buildings14020496Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular ConstructionLaurence Picard0Pierre Blanchet1André Bégin-Drolet2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, CanadaNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Industrial Chair on Eco-Responsible Wood Construction (CIRCERB), Department of Wood and Forest Sciences, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, CanadaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, CanadaModular construction is characterized by assembling volumetric units on site. Once assembled on site, the structural integrity of modular buildings highly relies on connections that provide essential performance against critical loading conditions. Connections significantly impact field assembly activities, and previous research has highlighted the importance of their functional performance. In this study, the researchers focus on implementing automated connecting devices in a full-scale experimental project. It presents the implementation of a self-locking inter-modular connector and an investigation of the benefits and limitations of its application in modular building systems. This study also investigates the use of connectors as attachment points for modular handling and lifting. It evaluates the pros and cons of combining a single device’s connecting and lifting functions. The implementation of an automated connecting device in the building design process is covered as well as the evaluation of its impacts on architectural, structural, and functional considerations. Finally, the potential of automated connecting devices to improve modular building systems’ overall performance and efficiency is assessed, and guidelines are identified to facilitate their adoption.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/2/496inter-modular connectionself-locking jointslight-framed modular buildingsfull-scale implementationstructural connection |
| spellingShingle | Laurence Picard Pierre Blanchet André Bégin-Drolet Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular Construction Buildings inter-modular connection self-locking joints light-framed modular buildings full-scale implementation structural connection |
| title | Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular Construction |
| title_full | Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular Construction |
| title_fullStr | Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular Construction |
| title_full_unstemmed | Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular Construction |
| title_short | Full-Scale Implementation of an Automated Connecting Device for Modular Construction |
| title_sort | full scale implementation of an automated connecting device for modular construction |
| topic | inter-modular connection self-locking joints light-framed modular buildings full-scale implementation structural connection |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/2/496 |
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