Analysis of Tensile and Bending Resistance Factors of a Novel Internal Plug-in Self-Locking Connector for Modular Steel Structures

Junwu Xia; Jun Yu; Yuan He; Zhichun Zhu; Xiaoming Wang

doi:10.13206/j.gjgS25072801

Volume 41 Issue 4

Apr. 2026

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Article Navigation > STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English) > 2026 > 41(4): 19-29

Junwu Xia, Jun Yu, Yuan He, Zhichun Zhu, Xiaoming Wang. Analysis of Tensile and Bending Resistance Factors of a Novel Internal Plug-in Self-Locking Connector for Modular Steel Structures[J]. STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English), 2026, 41(4): 19-29. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS25072801

Citation:

Junwu Xia, Jun Yu, Yuan He, Zhichun Zhu, Xiaoming Wang. Analysis of Tensile and Bending Resistance Factors of a Novel Internal Plug-in Self-Locking Connector for Modular Steel Structures[J]. STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English), 2026, 41(4): 19-29. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS25072801

Citation:

Junwu Xia, Jun Yu, Yuan He, Zhichun Zhu, Xiaoming Wang. Analysis of Tensile and Bending Resistance Factors of a Novel Internal Plug-in Self-Locking Connector for Modular Steel Structures[J]. STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English), 2026, 41(4): 19-29. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS25072801

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Analysis of Tensile and Bending Resistance Factors of a Novel Internal Plug-in Self-Locking Connector for Modular Steel Structures

doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS25072801

1. Shool of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China;
2. Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Civil Engineering Disaster and Intelligent Prevention and Control, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China;
3. Huai'an Construction Project Bidding and Tendering Management Service Center, Huai'an 223300, China

Received Date: 2025-07-28
Available Online: 2026-06-08

Abstract

Abstract

A refined finite element model of the proposed novel internal plug-in self-locking connector for modular steel structures was established in ABAQUS. Tensile and bending tests of the connector were simulated， and the results were compared with experimental data to verify the model’s accuracy. Parametric studies were conducted to investigate the influence of the buckle thickness， the slot side wall thickness， and the slot upper wall thickness on the tensile performance of the connector， as well as the effects of the stiffening rib size， the length of the upper part of the inner plug in the self-locking core， and the thickness ratio （t）of the inner plug to the column on its bending performance. The results indicated that the buckle thickness was the primary controlling factor for the tensile performance of the novel connector. Keeping other dimensions of the inner plug unchanged， increasing the buckle thickness raised the yield load by 20.778%. Increasing the length of the inner plug effectively reduced stress concentration in the modular steel column. Enhancing t improved the bending performance of the connector. Specifically， when the column thickness was 8 mm， increasing t from 1.0 to 1.25 resulted in increases of 1.10% in the yield moment and 2.93% in the ultimate load of the connector. Moreover， increasing the stiffening rib length from 100 mm to 150 mm led to growth of 14.26% in the initial stiffness and 17.87% in the ultimate load， demonstrating that longer stiffening ribs significantly enhanced the connector’s bending capacity.
- modular steel buildings,
- internal plug-in self-locking connection,
- finite element analysis

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References(20)

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