Development of Design Guidelines for Z-Modular Connections of High-rise Building

在加拿大，住宅和办公楼等各种基础设施的需求和供应之间的差距正在以惊人的速度扩大。这造成了严重的住房和其他与空间有关的问题，尤其是在大城市及其周边地区。这种需求和供应之间的差距可以通过使用模块化建筑技术来缩小，因为它允许以更快、更便宜的方式建造建筑物和其他基础设施。在模块化建筑中，建筑物的模块（成品房间）是在工厂中使用自动化机械在受控环境下建造的。然后，这些模块以类似于乐高积木堆叠和连接的方式安装在施工现场。因此，在显著减少施工时间的情况下，实现了更高的生产率和更好的施工质量。同时，这种方法减少了材料的浪费，因此，与传统的施工方法相比，对环境更有利。这项NSERC研究项目的行业合作伙伴是Z-Modular，该公司一直在开发和实施一种独特的模块化施工技术，该技术使用钢管和独特的铸钢连接器VectorBloc。本研究将开发用于建造高层模块化钢结构建筑的设计和详细方法，如高层公寓楼、办公楼、学生公寓和酒店。一旦这项研究完成，Z-Modular将获得竞争优势，使他们能够扩大在加拿大的业务，并确立自己在模块化建设领域的世界领先地位。反过来，这将创造许多需要各种技能的新工作，并有助于加拿大经济的增长。这种模块化建筑技术的实施也将通过减少材料的浪费来帮助环境。在这项研究中，三名本科生和研究生将接受培训，以获得各种学术和研究技能，以及行业的实际方面，以帮助他们做好就业准备。

The gap between the demand and supply of various infrastructures, such as residential and office buildings, in Canada has been widening at an alarming rate. This has created an acute housing and other space-related problems, especially in and around big cities. This gap between demand and supply can be reduced by using a modular construction technique since it allows for a faster and cheaper way of constructing buildings and other infrastructure. In modular construction, modules (finished rooms) of a building are built in a factory under a controlled environment using automated machinery. These modules are then installed at the construction site in a manner similar to how Lego blocks are stacked and connected. Hence, higher productivity and better quality in the construction is achieved with significantly reduced construction time. As well, this method reduces the waste of materials and thus, is more beneficial to the environment in comparison to traditional construction methods. The industry partner for this NSERC research project is Z-Modular, who has been developing and implementing a unique modular construction technique using steel tubes and unique cast-steel connectors called VectorBloc connectors. This research will develop the design and detailing methodology to be used in constructing high-rise modular steel buildings such as high-rise apartment buildings, office buildings, student residences, and hotels. Once this research is completed, Z-Modular will gain a competitive edge, allowing them to expand their business in Canada and establish themselves as a world leader in modular construction. This will, in turn, create many new jobs requiring various skill sets and help grow Canada's economy. The implementation of this modular construction technology will also help the environment by reducing the waste of materials. In this research, three students at undergraduate and graduate levels will be trained to gain various academic and research skills, as well as the practical aspects of the industry to help them to be employment ready.