It is well established that building construction using volumetric modules has numerous advantages over traditional construction; however, achieving simple, yet high-performance inter-module connectivity, poses unique challenges in relation to the structural performance, fabrication, and overall construction. In an attempt to address these challenges, a three-piece boltless inter-module connection was developed for safe and instant vertical and horizontal connectivity of modules in multi-storey steel buildings. The key focus of this paper is to present the local behaviour of this connection and assess its performance on the global structural behaviour in mid-to high-rise modular buildings. The local behavioural characteristics are established through finite element models, and simplified analytical equations are also derived to estimate the stiffness and strength limits. A global performance study is also performed to compare the overall structural performance of different inter -module connection types in a case study 20-storey modular building. The structural performance indicators including the inter-storey drifts and the relevant demand-to-capacity ratios for the connection indicate that the proposed connection satisfactorily meets performance expectations, i.e. the drifts at serviceability were within 0.2 and the ultimate limit state connection demands were well within the targeted elastic limits.
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