Numerical study on compressive behavior of a 3D-printed sand mold-cast S-CN connector

This paper presents a novel approach for steel modular structures, incorporating the S-CN connector - a hybrid tie rod and connector connection method - along with rectangular hollow section (RHS) steel members. The study numerically investigates the mechanical behavior of S-CN connectors and their application in beam-column connections under compressive loading. The compressive load-bearing capacity of the proposed connection is determined following AISC 360-16 guidelines, predicted through a finite element analysis approach and validated by experimental data. Parametric analysis reveals the impact of local buckling in modular nodes on the connector's load-bearing capacity. The results demonstrate that tie plate thickness has a minimal effect, while reducing the modular node thickness leads to a linear decrease in load capacities. Furthermore, the failure mode of the beam-column connection depends on the compressive capacities of both the RHS column and the S-CN connector.

Automated summary

This paper presents a new approach for steel modular structures, incorporating the S-CN connector and rectangular hollow section (RHS) steel members. The mechanical behavior of S-CN connectors and their application in beam-column connections under compressive loading are studied numerically and validated experimentally.