Study on Global Imperfection of Modular integrated Construction Structures for Second‐order Analysis

The global imperfection significantly influences the stability design of the Modular integrated Construction (MiC) buildings. Currently, the initial global imperfection shapes recommended for MiC structures are formulated based on steel frames whose members are continuously connected. In practice, the columns and beams in MiC structures are composed of the members of adjacent module units, which are discontinuously connected through the special joints. Ignorance of such discontinuous features in MiC structures leads to an inappropriate estimation of the structural resistance. This paper introduces a new initial imperfection shape for MiC structures considering out‐of‐verticality of module columns and eccentricity between modules, capturing the discontinuous feature. Random initial imperfection shapes were generated using Monte‐Carlo simulation based on tolerances in regulations. The proposed imperfection shape is adopted in the analysis of a typical MiC structure and the result is compared with results from existing global imperfections in design codes. This research provides a practical global imperfection for the second‐order analysis and design of steel MiC structures. Recommendation for basic value of the proposed imperfection shape is also provided.