Systematic evaluation and optimisation of connection systems in high-rise steel modular buildings for enhancing construction efficiency

Abstract

Modular construction has demonstrated to be a highly effective approach to addressing the challenges facing the construction industry with enhanced quality, productivity, safety, and sustainability. Facilitated by advanced technologies, the adoption of steel modular construction has gained momentum worldwide, and this surge in implementation has spurred the development of more scientifically oriented modular building designs. Within the entire steel modular system, the connection system assumes a crucial role in ensuring both structural and construction performance. Regrettably, the construction performance has been largely neglected during the design and development of connection systems in steel modular buildings. Consequently, there remains an absence of suitable methods for designers to systematically evaluate connection designs and propose optimal solutions for achieving better construction efficiency. This thesis aims to develop a systematic evaluation and optimisation framework for connection systems in high-rise steel modular buildings for enhancing construction efficiency. A five-stage study encompassing a combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches was undertaken to achieve this aim. The first stage involved conducting a comprehensive literature review to clarify the functions and features of connection systems in steel modular buildings and provide a comprehensive categorisation for their exemplary advancements. In the second stage, an additional synthetic review and case studies were carried out to explore the three critical aspects of construction efficiency and identify its performance requirements and 18 indicators for connection systems in high-rise steel modular buildings. The third stage involved a combination of exploratory desk studies and data standardisation methods to establish the evaluation methods for construction efficiency performance indicators and benchmark the performance of connection systems in high-rise steel modular buildings. Building upon the results obtained in the previous stages, the fourth stage employed a design science research (DSR) approach to developing and validating the systematic evaluation and optimisation framework for connection systems in high-rise steel modular buildings for enhancing construction efficiency. Finally, the fifth stage encompassed critical reviews, desk studies, and case studies to diffuse the knowledge of the framework and propose construction efficiency performance requirements and indicators for module-to-core-wall (M2C) connection systems. In addition, this research also proposes innovative solutions to inter-module and M2C connection systems in high-rise steel modular buildings. This research has made original contributions to the field of steel modular construction, encompassing both theoretical perspectives of construction efficiency and practical insights into connection systems. Theoretically, the introduction of the novel connection system ‘deconstruction’ strategy and framework for comprehending construction efficiency establishes a robust foundation for a comprehensive understanding of steel modular buildings. Methodologically, the research presents a well-defined framework that provides an objective, dynamic, and quantitative method to evaluate and optimise connection systems in high-rise steel modular buildings, thereby enhancing construction efficiency. Practically, the established benchmarks for construction efficiency performance and developed innovative solutions to inter-module and M2C connections offer designers valuable guidance in the decision-making processes involved in designing and developing connection systems for high-rise steel modular buildings.