Seismic performance of cruciform bolted joints with various reinforcing details in modular steel construction

Extensive research has been done on exterior T-shaped joints of modular structures. The modular structure consists of stacked modules that are not only connected vertically but also need to be connected horizontally. The horizontal connection between modules is another key for the modules to form an integral structure and resist lateral forces. This paper proposes a novel bolted joint that can be applied to multi-column module internal and external connections. By designing special loading supports, three internal cruciform joints and three external cruciform joints of the modular structure were tested under column end loading. The effects of different strengthening measures and the ratio of beam to column flexural bearing capacity on the seismic performance of the joints were compared. The results showed that all the joints had good seismic performance and satisfied the requirements of SMF systems in terms of inter-story drift ratio. The stiffness and bearing capacity of the internal joints after the beam-beam combination increased by 33.2% and 17%, respectively. However, the stiffness and bearing capacity of the cruciform joints strengthened by the cover plate are not significantly improved. For joints that meet the conditions of strong columns and weak beams, modular beams can reach full-section plasticity and can meet the requirements of full-strength joints.