Innovative Bolted Joint Solutions for Demountable Modular Structures

Abstract

Understanding the mechanical behaviour of metallic connections within structural frameworks is essential for ensuring overall stability and safety. These connections often govern the global response of the system under various loading conditions. Accurate characterization enables reliable predictions of structural performance, particularly in seismic or high-stress environments. Without such analysis, design assumptions may lead to unsafe or overly conservative constructions. Therefore, studying joint behaviour plays a critical role in optimizing structural efficiency and integrity. This research focuses on a roof assembly that connects structural elements not commonly encountered in conventional design, thus requiring a tailored scientific approach. The analysis is grounded in Eurocode principles, ensuring regulatory compliance and structural safety. Emphasis is placed on the component method, enabling a detailed evaluation of individual component behaviours. Given the atypical configuration, specific adaptations of standard design procedures are proposed. The objective is to develop a robust analytical framework that bridges theoretical rigour and practical applicability. The adopted methodology involves performing a preliminary design of the assembly in order to approach a specific target. This initial step serves as a foundation for a subsequent optimization phase. The optimized assembly is then integrated into a finite element model that encompasses the entire global structure. This approach enables iterative refinement to balance performance and design constraints. It also ensures compatibility within the overall structural system. The main findings of this research demonstrate that, given the specific configuration of a modular construction, there exists a range of assembly classes, in terms of stiffness and strength, that are preferable to adopt. This work provides an analytical approach for an in-depth study on the characterization of a joint in a modular structure, as well as its impact on the global structural response.