Spider Intermodular Connection: An innovative connection solution for steel modular buildings

Resumen

Modular construction systems face significant challenges in ensuring structural con-tinuity, particularly at inter-module joints where connection performance governs both local behaviour and global response. Within the framework of the R2U project, which fosters the industrialisation of modular construction in Europe, this study introduces the Spider inter-mod-ule connector, a prototype specifically designed to guarantee vertical continuity in stacked 3D steel modules with square hollow sections. A comprehensive full-scale experimental campaign was carried out to characterise the connector’s tensile response. Complementary finite element analyses were developed in Abaqus and calibrated against the experimental results, demonstrat-ing the role of the horizontal preload levels and internal blocking plates support conditions exert a decisive influence on the connection’s performance