Abstract

Contrary to conventional buildings, the structural robustness of modular high-rise buildings has not been studied due to the lack of the numerical and experimental studies and design guides. To gain a better understanding of their structural robustness against progressive collapse, this paper investigates the robustness of modular high-rise buildings using the alternative load path method with nonlinear time-history analysis. A numerical model of a typical modular tall building subjected to a corner module removal scenario was developed to explore its typical response, resistance mechanism and progressive collapse. A comprehensive parametric study was then performed to examine the effects of a wide range of parameters (e.g. column cross-section, inter-module connection and bracing system) and configurations on the progressive collapse and structural robustness of modular buildings. The result showed that bracing systems can enhance the structural robustness effectively by sharing redistributed loads and restraining structural members. The removal of corner members is more critical because there are limited adjacent members for sharing the redistributed loads. Inter-module connections should provide adequate strength to develop more alternative load paths when extreme events occur. Finally, design recommendations for improving the robustness of modular buildings were also proposed based on the findings from the parametric study.

摘要

与传统建筑相反，由于缺乏数值和实验研究以及设计指南，模块化高层建筑的结构稳健性尚未得到研究。为了更好地了解其结构对连续倒塌的稳健性，本文使用具有非线性时程分析的替代载荷路径方法研究了模块化高层建筑的稳健性。开发了一个典型的模块化高层建筑在角模块移除场景下的数值模型，以探索其典型的响应、阻力机制和渐进倒塌。然后进行全面的参数研究以检查各种参数的影响（例如柱横截面，模块间连接和支撑系统）和配置对模块化建筑的渐进倒塌和结构稳健性的影响。结果表明，支撑系统可以通过分担重新分配的荷载和约束结构构件有效地增强结构的稳健性。移除角部构件更为关键，因为用于分担重新分配载荷的相邻构件有限。模块间连接应提供足够的强度，以便在极端事件发生时开发更多替代负载路径。最后，还根据参数研究的结果提出了提高模块化建筑稳健性的设计建议。结果表明，支撑系统可以通过分担重新分配的荷载和约束结构构件有效地增强结构的稳健性。移除角部构件更为关键，因为用于分担重新分配载荷的相邻构件有限。模块间连接应提供足够的强度，以便在极端事件发生时开发更多替代负载路径。最后，还根据参数研究的结果提出了提高模块化建筑稳健性的设计建议。结果表明，支撑系统可以通过分担重新分配的荷载和约束结构构件有效地增强结构的稳健性。移除角部构件更为关键，因为用于分担重新分配载荷的相邻构件有限。模块间连接应提供足够的强度，以便在极端事件发生时开发更多替代负载路径。最后，还根据参数研究的结果提出了提高模块化建筑稳健性的设计建议。