Research Progress on Inter-Module Connections， Modular Steel Units， and Structural Systems of Modular Steel Buildings

Shu Ganping; Liao Haoxiang; Mo Ze; Zheng Baofeng

doi:10.13206/j.gjgS26073101

Volume 41 Issue 10

Oct. 2026

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Shu Ganping, Liao Haoxiang, Mo Ze, Zheng Baofeng. Research Progress on Inter-Module Connections， Modular Steel Units， and Structural Systems of Modular Steel Buildings[J]. STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English), 2026, 41(10): 73-83. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS26073101

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Shu Ganping, Liao Haoxiang, Mo Ze, Zheng Baofeng. Research Progress on Inter-Module Connections， Modular Steel Units， and Structural Systems of Modular Steel Buildings[J]. STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English), 2026, 41(10): 73-83. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS26073101

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Research Progress on Inter-Module Connections， Modular Steel Units， and Structural Systems of Modular Steel Buildings

doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS26073101

School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China

Received Date: 2026-07-31

Abstract

Abstract

With the continued advancement of construction industrialization， modular buildings have been widely adopted worldwide owing to their high degree of prefabrication， rapid construction， reduced on-site operation， and environmental sustainability. Among these systems， modular steel buildings are assembled from modular steel units through inter-module connections and offer the advantages of high strength-to-weight ratio and suitability for industrialized production. Extensive studies have been conducted on inter-module connections， modular steel units， and modular steel building systems. On this basis， this paper systematically reviews the research progress at these three levels. The structural configurations and mechanical properties of different types of inter-module connections are summarized； the mechanical behaviors and failure modes of various modular steel units are reviewed； and the static load-carrying performance and dynamic seismic performance of modular steel building systems are examined. Future research directions for modular steel buildings are also proposed.
- modular steel building,
- inter-module connection,
- modular steel unit,
- structural system,
- research progress

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References(54)

References

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