Module-To-Module Connection in Modular Construction

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/640,722, filed Apr. 30, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure generally relates to modular construction and, more particularly, to connections between modules in modular construction.

Construction modules or modular building units are used to construct a building by arranging (e.g., stacking, placing side-by-side, placing end-to-end, etc.) the modules relative to one another. When arranged to form the building, the modules form the framework (e.g., structural framework) of the building.

In one aspect, a modular building unit for use forming a portion of a building having other modular building units generally comprises a plurality of beams and a column assembly attached to one or more beams of the plurality of beams. The column assembly includes an elongate interior, a first cable mount, and a second cable mount. The elongate interior is sized and shaped to permit one or more tension cables to extend therein. The first cable mount is disposed in the elongate interior and is arranged to mount a first tension cable coupled to an underlying modular building unit of said other modular building units in the elongate interior. The second cable mount is disposed in the elongate interior and is arranged to mount a second tension cable coupled to an overlying modular building unit of said other modular building units in the elongate interior.

In another aspect, a building framework of a building generally comprises a first modular building unit having a first structural frame. The first structural frame includes a first column assembly having a first elongate interior and a first cable mount disposed in the first elongate interior. The building comprises a second modular building unit overlying the first modular building unit. The second modular building unit has a second structural frame supported by the first structural frame. The second structural frame includes a second column assembly having a second elongate interior aligned with the first elongate interior and a second cable mount disposed in the second elongate interior. The building comprises a tension cable disposed in the first and second interiors and coupled to the first and second cable mounts.

In another aspect, a method of erecting a building framework of a building generally comprises coupling a free end of a tension cable to a first structural frame of a first modular building unit. The tension cable extends from a second structural frame of a second modular building unit. The method comprises positioning the second modular building unit over the first modular building unit such that the second structural frame rests on the first structural frame. The positioning occurs after said coupling the tension cable to the first structural frame of the first modular building unit. The method further includes coupling the tension cable to the second structural frame of the second modular building unit.

In another aspect, a column assembly for use in a modular building unit generally comprises a shaft and a node connected to an end of the shaft. The node is constructed to mount an end of a tensioning cable therein. The node includes a tubular portion and a flange projecting from the tubular portion. The flange is sized and shaped for connection to one or more beams of the modular building unit.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Corresponding reference characters indicated corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Referring to, a partially assembled building framework (e.g., a skeleton, a frame, a steel cage, or a cage) of a building constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure is indicated generally at reference numeral. The building frameworkis made up of a plurality of modular building units or modulesarranged next to one another. Each modular building unit forms a portion of the building (e.g., a portion of the building framework). As used herein, the building framework may refer to a substantially completed building with at least some interior finishes, to a skeleton of structural (e.g., weight bearing) members, and anything between.illustrates the forming of another story of the building by placing a new modular building unit on top of an existing modular building unit and next to other modular building units of the same story. As illustrated, each story of the building frameworkincludes eight modular building unitsplaced side-by-side with one another in a 2×4 grid arrangement. The eight modular building unitsare stacked on a lower story also comprising eight modular building units. In other embodiments, the building framework may include more or fewer modular building units and/or other arrangements of the modular building units. As used herein, modular building unit may refer to a substantially completed modular building unit with at least some interior finishes, to a skeleton of structural (e.g., weight bearing) members, and anything between. Each modular building unitincludes a structural (e.g., weight bearing) frame or cage(). The structural frameforms a portion of the building framework. When the modular building unitsare stacked on top of one another, the structural framesthereof rest on the structural frames of respective underlying modular building units. The structural framesof the modular building unitsmay be identical, generally identical, or different. One structural framewill now be described in more detail with the understanding that the structure and concepts described apply to the structural frames of each building module, regardless of whether the other structural frames have an identical, generally identical, or different constructions.

Referring to, the structural framecomprises a plurality of interconnected structural (e.g., weight bearing) members, such as beams, posts, columns, joists, etc. The illustrated structural frameis a rectangular parallelepiped (e.g., hexahedron) shape, but other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The structural frameincludes a plurality of column assemblies(broadly columns), a plurality of beams, a plurality of posts, and a plurality of joists. The beamsare coupled to and interconnect the column assemblies, the postsare coupled to, interconnect and vertically span between beams, and the joistsare coupled to, interconnect and horizontally span between beams. The postsmay also be broadly considered “columns,” although they differ in construction from the column assemblies. The structural framemay also include a mounting frameon one or more sides thereof for the mounting of a façade (not shown) of the building. The structural members of the structural framemay comprise structural steel (broadly, metal) members, such as tube (e.g., hollow structural steel “HSS”) members, I-shaped members (e.g., I-beams), angled (e.g. L) members, channel members, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the beamsand joistsare I-beams and the postsare HSS members, although other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The column assembliesgenerally have an HHS configuration, as described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural members are coupled together using bolts (broadly, fasteners) although other methods of attachment, such as welding and/or rivets, can be used without departing form the scope of the present disclosure. The column assembliesare all identical or nearly identical (with the main difference being the arrangement of connection plates() for connecting to the beams). Accordingly, one column assemblywill now be described in more detail with the understanding the description applies to the other column assemblies as well.

Referring to, the column assemblyfacilitates the coupling of modular building unitsthat are stacked on top of each other with tension cables(broadly, tension members). The tension cablesconnect the modular building unitstogether. The column assemblyhas an elongate interiorsized and shaped to permit the tension cables(broadly, one or more tension cables) to extend therein. Thus, the column assemblygenerally houses the tension cables. The elongate interiorextends from the upper end (broadly, upper portion) of the column assemblyto the lower end (broadly, lower portion) of the column assembly. The elongate interiorhas open upper and lower ends to permit the tension cablesto extending into and/or out of the elongate interior. This allows tension cablesfrom other column assemblies of other modular building units(e.g., the modular building unit(s) above and/or below) to extend into the elongate interiorof the column assemblyand allows tension cables from the column assembly to extend into the elongate interiors of the other column assemblies for coupling the column assemblies together. Thus, the column assembly(specifically, the elongate interior) of one modular building unitis vertically aligned with one or more column assemblies (specifically, the elongate interiors thereof) of other modular building units disposed vertically above and/or below when the modular building units are arranged in the building framework.

In the illustrated embodiment, the column assemblyincludes a capital or upper node, an upright member or shaft, and a base or lower node, although other configurations of the column assembly can be used without departing form the scope of the present disclosure. The shaftis coupled to the upper nodeand to the lower node. The shaftextends downward from the upper nodeand extends upward from the lower node. The upper nodeforms an upper portion (e.g., upper end) of the column assemblyand the lower nodeforms a lower portion (e.g., lower end) of the column assembly. The upper node, the shaft, and the lower nodeeach bound a portion of the elongate interiorof the column assembly. The upper and lower nodes,each include a main bodyand upper and lower mounting flangesattached to the main body. The main bodyis generally hollow, which forms part of the elongate interior. In the illustrated embodiment, the main bodyhas a generally HHS shape, although other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The upper mounting flangeis attached to the upper end of the main bodyand the lower mounting flange is attached to the lower end of the main body.

The shaftincludes a tubeof generally rectangular cross section, and upper and lower mounting flangesattached as by welding to the tube. The tubeis generally hollow, which forms part of the elongate interior. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubehas a generally HHS shape, although other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The upper mounting flangeis attached to the upper end of the tubeand the lower mounting flange is attached to the lower end of the tube. The upper mounting flangeof the shaftis coupled to the lower mounting flangeof the upper node. The lower mounting flangeof the shaftis coupled to the upper mounting flangeof the lower node. In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners (e.g., bolts) couple the mounting flanges,together, although other suitable attachment methods, such as welding, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in, the upper mounting flangeof the upper nodeof one column assemblyand the lower mounting flangeof the lower nodeof another column assemblyare configured to engage and/or be coupled to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners (e.g., bolts) couple the mounting flangestogether, although other suitable attachment methods, such as welding, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Within the structural frame, the column assemblyis attached to one or more beams(broadly, other structural members) of the structural frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the column assemblyincludes one or more connection or shear plates (broadly, connection flanges)for coupling to the one or more beams. The connections platesare attached (e.g., welded) to the upper and lower nodes,. The number, arrangement and orientation of each connection platedepends on position of the column assemblyin the structural frame—e.g., depends on the number and arrangement of beamscoupled to the column assembly. Accordingly, the particular number, arrangement and orientation of the connection platesfor each column assemblyin the structural frame can vary as needed. The connection platesprovide attachment points for the beams. In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners (e.g., bolts) couple the connection platesand beamstogether, although other suitable attachment methods, such as welding, can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The column assemblyincludes one or more cable mountsfor coupling the one or more tension cablesto the column assembly. Each cable mountis disposed in the elongate interiorof the column assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, each cable mountis disposed adjacent the upper end of the elongate interior. In other words, the cable mountsare attached to the upper portion of the column assembly. This positioning makes accessing the cable mountseasier during installation (through the open upper end of the elongate interior), as will become apparent. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable mountsare attached to the upper node, inside the main body. Each cable mountmounts a tension cableto the column assemblyin the elongate interior. Each cable mountincludes a mounting block(). The mounting blockhas an opening or channelsized and shaped to receive the tension cable. The channelpermits the tension cableto extend lengthwise through the cable mount. The channelhas an open side to permit the tension cableto be moved laterally (e.g., in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the tension cable) into the opening.

The mounting blockalso includes a seating surfacearranged to engage a tension connectorsecured to the tension cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension connectorcomprises a barrel() and a wedge, whose construction and operation is understood by those skilled in the art and will be not be repeated here. However, other types of tension connectors can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The seating surfacecan be an upper or lower surface of the mounting blockdepending on the configuration of the cable mount(see description below). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting blockcomprises two metal (e.g., steel) bars. The metal barsare secured to the inner surface of the main bodyof the upper node. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal barsare welded to the inner surface, with the cross-hatching inillustrating the weld surfaces of the metal bars(see weld locations in). Other ways of attaching the metal bars(broadly, the cable mount) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each cable mountmay include a retainer. The retaineris configured to retain the tension cablein the channelof the mounting block. Specifically, the retaineris arranged to block the open side of the channelto inhibit the tension cablefrom inadvertently moving out of the channelthrough the open side (e.g., laterally out of the opening). The illustrated retainercomprises a gate or crossbar, although other suitable retainers can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The gate is moveable (e.g., pivotable) between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the gate permits the tension cableto be inserted into the channel(e.g., through the open side thereof) of the mounting block. In other words, the gate is arranged such that it does not block the open side of the channel. In the closed position, the gate retains the tension cablein the channelof the mounting block. In other words, the gate blocks the open side of the channel. In the illustrated embodiment, only one of the cable mounts includes a retainer. Other configurations of the cable mounts can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the column assemblyincludes two cable mounts, a first or upper cable mountand a second or lower cable mountThe upper cable mountmounts a first or upper tension cableto the column assembly. The upper tension cableis coupled to an overlying modular building unit(e.g., a column assemblythereof). Thus, the upper tension cablecouples the column assembly(broadly, structural frame, even more broadly, modular building unit) of one modular building unit to an overlying column assembly of a modular building unitstacked on top of said one modular building unit. For the upper cable mountthe seating surfaceis a lower surface. The barrel of the tension connectorfor the upper tension cableengages the lower seating surface. The lower cable mountmounts a second or lower tension cableto the column assembly. The lower tension cableis coupled to an underlying modular building unit(e.g., a column assemblythereof). Thus, the lower tension cablecouples the column assembly(broadly, structural frame, even more broadly, modular building unit) of one modular building unit to an underlying column assembly of a modular building unitthat said one modular building unit is stacked on top of. In some embodiments, the lower tension cableis coupled to a foundation (not shown) to secure the column assemblyto the foundation, such as if the modular building unitis the lower-most unit in the stack and rests on the foundation. For the lower cable mountthe seating surfaceis an upper surface. The barrel of the tension connectorfor the lower tension cableengages the upper seating surface. Other configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such as more or fewer cable mounts and/or cable mounts being mounted at other positions along the elongate interior.

illustrate the coupling of two column assembliesof two modular building unitsstacked on top of each other. In, the horizontal broken line delineates the two column assemblies, with the upper column assemblydisposed above the horizontal broken line and the lower column assemblydisposed below the horizontal broken line. As shown, the upper column assemblyis resting on the lower column assembly. One or more fasteners (e.g., bolts) may be used to couple the upper and lower column assembliestogether, via the mounting flangesas described above. The cable mountsof the lower column assemblyare illustrated. The upper cable mountis coupled to the upper tension cableA tension connectoris attached to the lower end portion of the upper tension cableengages the lower seating surfaceof the upper cable mountThe upper cable mountincludes the retainerto hold the lower end portion of the upper tension cablein the channelof the upper cable mount. The upper tension cableextends up through the open upper end of the elongate interiorof the lower column assemblyand into the elongate interior of the upper column assemblyThe upper end (not shown) of the upper tension cableis coupled to a lower cable mount (not shown) of the upper column assemblyThus, the upper tension cablecouples the two column assembliestogether (broadly, the two modular building units). Similarly, the lower cable mountis coupled to the lower tension cableA tension connectoris attached to the upper end portion of the lower tension cableengages the upper seating surfaceof the lower cable mount(note: this coupling of the upper end portion of the lower tension cableto lower cable mountcan be the same as how the upper end portion of the upper tension cableis coupled to the lower cable mount of the upper column assembly). The lower tension cableextends downward in the elongate interiorof the lower column assemblyout through the open lower end of the elongate interior, and into the elongate interior of an underlying column assembly (not shown). The lower end (not shown) of the lower tension cableis coupled to an upper cable mount (not shown) of this underlying column assembly (note: the coupling of the lower end portion of the lower tension cablecan be the same as how the lower end portion of the upper tension cableis coupled to the upper cable mount). Thus, the lower tension cablecouples another two column assemblies (column assemblyand another column assembly not shown) together (broadly, another two modular building units). This coupling of column assembliesis repeated for each set of modular building units, one stacked on top of the other, along the height of the building, thereby connecting the modular building units in a vertical stack together to operate as a single vertical structural unit. In general, the tension cablesresist uplift forces experienced by the stack of modular building units, such as due to wind loads, to prevent the modular building units from lifting off one another.

The tension cablesare disposed in the elongate interiorsof the column assemblies(see). The two column assembliescooperate to house the entire portion of the upper tension cablebetween the cable mountsthe upper tension cable is coupled to. This is the same for each tension cableused to couple to structural framestogether. As a result, the tension cablesof the building frameworkare hidden, protected, and out of the way. This allows other structural systems or other building systems to be used with the modular building unitswithout having to be modified or moved to accommodate the tension cables, unlike conventional tension systems which are generally exposed (e.g., disposed between columns) and need to be worked around. For example, as shown in, by positioning the tension cablesinside the column assemblies, a conventional lateral bracing system (e.g., strap bracing)can be added to the structural framewithout having to accommodate the tension system (e.g., tension cables).

Still referring to, in the illustrated embodiment, the column assemblyincludes a stopin the elongate interiorand underlying at least one of the cable mounts(e.g., underlying at least the upper cable mount). In the illustrated embodiment, the stopis in the form of a floor that is part of the lower mounting flangeof the upper node. The stopis arranged to limit the movement of the tension connectorattached to the tension cable(e.g., the upper tension table) before tension is applied to the tension cable to keep the tension connector aligned with the cable mount. The stopmay also serve as a support and brace for one of the cable mounts(e.g., the lower cable mount). The stopmay include openings therein to permit the tension cables(e.g., tension cables) to extend there-through. In other embodiments, the stopmay be omitted.

Referring back to, preferably the upper end of the column assemblyis flush with a top surface of the structural frameand the lower end of the column assembly is flush with a bottom surface of the structural frame. The top and bottom surfaces of the structural frameare defined by the beams. Preferably, the structural frame(broadly, the modular building unit) does not include any element disposed above the top surface (e.g., disposed above a plane in which the top surface lies in). Likewise, preferably, the structural frame(broadly, the modular building unit) does not include any element disposed below the bottom surface (e.g., disposed below a plane in which the bottom surface lies in). This makes positioning the modular building uniton another modular building unit easier, as the modular building unit is free to move in the horizontal plane relative to the underlying modular building unit. This freedom of movement makes it easier to stack the modular building unitson one another. This also allows any modular gasketing systems (not shown) of the modular building unitto properly engage the other modular building units. For example, some modular gasketing systems require the modular building unitto move horizontally into position in order to properly engage and seal between modular building units. Conventional modular connections typically include elements that protrude upward and/or downward, thereby limiting the ability of the modular building unitto move horizontally, such as at the critical time when the modular building unitis placed on the underlying modular building unit and the gasketing systems engage.

The column assemblymay include a lift attachment() for coupling the structural frameto a crane (not shown). The lift attachmentmay comprise a hook, an opening sized and shaped to receive a hook of the crane, or any other suitable lift attachment structure. The lift attachmentmay be mounted to (e.g., part of) the upper node. Integrating the lift attachmentwith the column assemblymakes it easier to connect and disconnect the modular building unitwith the crane. Further, because the column assemblyis a structural element (e.g., is made of structural steel), the modular building unitcan be lifted at the column assembly without significant deflections to the rest of the structural frame. This enables the modular building unitto have all or some interior finishes and appliances installed prior to the modular building unit being arranged in the building framework. Conventional modular building units, especially those made out of wood, may experience significant deflections during lifting which can damage (e.g., crack, split, etc.) interior finishes. As a result, conventional modular building units must be sufficiently reinforced before lifting, adding to material and labors costs, or wait until the modular building unit is positioned in the building framework to apply the interior finishes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the structural frameincludes six column assemblies, although more or fewer column assemblies in a structural frame can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. One column assemblyis positioned at each corner of the structural frame, with another column assemblypositioned at an intermediate location along the elongate sides of the structural frame. Other positions of the column assemblieswithin the structural framecan be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the structural frame may include column assembliesof the present disclosure and other column configurations. The other column configurations may include regular columns such as columns made of a single piece of structural steel or any other suitable column configurations, such as the poststhat can be seen in. In other words, the structural frame can include a mix of different types of column configurations, such as one or more column assembliesof the present disclosure and one or more column configurations not like the column assemblies of the present disclosure.

Referring to, one method of erecting the building frameworkwith modular building unitsof the present disclosure will now be described. The method will be described in relation to the installation of an upper modular building uniton a lower modular building unitof the building framework(see). The method is described in relation to one column assemblyof the modular building unitbut it is understood that this method would generally be repeated for each column assembly in the modular building unit. At step, the tension cableis threaded through the column assemblyof the upper modular building unitThis may be done before, during, or after the structural frameis assembled. After, at step, a tension connectoris attached to the lower end portion (e.g., dead end) of the tension cable. Stepsandcan occur while the upper modular building unitis being assembled in a factory or in the field after the upper modular building unit is delivered to the construction site of the building. If needed, the upper end of the tension cablecan be temporality secured to the top of the column assembly, such as with tape, to prevent the tension cable from falling through the column assembly during installation.

After step, the upper modular building unitis lifted and generally moved near its final position in the building framework, over the lower modular building unitBefore the upper modular building unitis lowered onto the lower modular building unitthe lower end of the tension cableis inserted into the elongate interiorof the column assemblyof the lower modular building unitat step. An operator grabs the tension connectorconnected to the lower end of the tension cable, aligns the tension cablewith the channel. The gateis in an opened position. The operator moves the tension connectorand tension cableso that the tension cable moves past the gate into the channel. The tension connectoris moved into position underlying the lower seating surfaceof the upper cable mount(broadly, open upper end of the elongate interior) of the column assemblyof the lower modular building unitThe operator closes the gateto keep the tension cablein the channel. The tension connectornow lies below the upper cable mountof the column assemblyof the lower modular building unitready to engage the lower seating surfaceof the upper cable mount. The retainerkeeps the tension cablein the channelwhile the tension cable is still loose (e.g., before tension is applied to forcibly seat the tension connectoragainst the upper cable mount) and the upper modular building unitis moved to its final position in the building framework. At this point, the tension cablestill extends through the column assemblyof the upper modular building unitwith an upper portion (e.g., live end) of the tension cable extending out of the top of the column assembly. With the lower end of the tension cablecoupled to the lower modular building unitat step, the upper modular building unitis positioned over the lower modular building unit such that the structural frameof the upper modular building unit rests on the structural frameof the lower modular building unit. As the upper modular building unitis lowered onto the lower modular building unitthe tension cablemay be used to help align the upper modular building unit relative to the lower modular building unit. With the upper modular building unitstacked on the lower modular building unitthe operator may install the fasteners through the mounting flangesto couple the two column assembliestogether. The upper modular building unitis now in its final position in the building framework.

After the upper modular building unitis positioned on the lower modular building unitthe operator couples the tension cableto the column assemblyof the upper modular building unitAnother tension connectoris attached to the upper end portion of the tension cable, at step. The operator also inserts the tension cableinto the openingof the lower cable mountin the column assemblyof the upper modular building unitThis also arranges the tension connectorconnected to the upper end portion of the tension cableabove the lower cable mountready to engage the upper seating surfaceof the lower cable mount. After, at step, the operator tensions the tension cable. The operator attaches the upper end portion of the tension cableto a post-tension stressing jack().shows the post-tension stressing jackcoupled to the tension cableand arranged relative to the column assemblyto tension the tension cable. It is appreciated that the tension cablehas excess length (see) to allow the tension cable to be attached to the post-tension stressing jack(and for other reasons, such as lowering the tension cable to connect the tension cable to the lower modular building unit). The operator then operates the post-tension stressing jackto tension the tension cable. As the tension cableis tensioned, one tension connectorengages the upper cable mountof the column assemblyof the lower modular building unitand the other tension connector engages the lower cable mountof the column assemblyof the upper modular building unit—thereby securing the tension cable to the two column assemblies. The post-tension stressing jackincludes a nose() through which the tension cableenters the post-tension stressing jack and which engages and pushes the tension connectorattached to the upper end portion of the tension cable against lower cable mountThe open upper end of the elongate interioris sized and shaped to permit the noseof the post-tension stressing jackto be inserted into the elongate interior, to push the tension connectoragainst lower cable mountIn one embodiment, the post-tension stressing jacktensions the tension cableto about 50 Kips, which due to seating loss will typically result in a final, at-rest tension of about 35 Kips in the tension cable. After the tension cableis tensioned, the operator removes the post-tension stressing jackand cuts off the excess length of the tension cable. This process is then repeated for the next modular building unitof the building framework.

While not shown relative to a modular building unitof the present disclosure,shows the post-tension stressing jackcoupled to a cable (such as tension cable) with a tension connectormounted thereon for tensioning the cable. The arrangement of the post-tension stressing jack, the cable, and the tension connectorshown inis similar to how these components would be arranged relative to one another when used with the modular building unit, with one difference being the tension connectorwould be seated against the cable mountof the upper node(not shown in).

The connection system of the present disclosure is a scalable and adaptable solution for modular building unitsthat allows for verification of the tension capacity in the tension cable(via the post-tension stressing jack), enables transport and rigging into position (via the attachment points), and allows for a systemic deployment of the tension cables within the structural frameof the modular building unit such that the modular building unit does not require a series of project specific solutions. Housing the tension cablewithin the column assemblyensures the tension cable can be housed and transported with dimensional fixity, as well as protecting the tension cable after the tensioning has occurred. The attachment pointsprovide a vertical structural means of lifting the modules such that any ceiling, walls and/or floor of the modular building unitare all pulled upward consistently, with minimal deflections. The upper nodeof the column assemblyhousing the cable mountsfor the tension cableand the upper and lower nodes,providing the attachment points for the connection plates, allows the column assemblyto be easily adjusted (such as by varying the length (e.g., height) of the shaft) to different project scales and types while maintaining a consistent approach. The upper and lower nodes,can also be used to for the attachment of adjacent material wall, floor or ceiling systems or façade assemblies (e.g., the mounting frame). The connection system of the present disclosure also allows for the horizontal and vertical movement of the modular building unitinto position to enable self-gasketing façade engagement (via the lack of protruding elements above and below the structural frame), provides for verifiable non-invasive connections to be provided during setting of modules (via the measuring of the tension applied by the post-tension stressing jackduring tensioning), and aids in the sweeping of modules into their correct position once the lower or dead end of the tension cablesare connected into underlying modular building unit (as mentioned above, the tension cablesaids guidance and alignment of the modular building unit with respect to the underlying modular building unit such that typically used additional external drag lines or come-alongs are not needed).

As used herein and in the drawings, when a reference character includes a reference numeral not followed by a letter, such a reference character refers to all elements designated at least in part by the reference numeral. Moreover, when a reference character includes the reference numeral followed by a letter, such as “a,” such a reference character refers to a particular element from the group of elements. For example, as used herein and in the drawings, reference numeral “” designates all column assemblies, while reference numeral “” followed by a letter, such as “”, designates a specific column assembly.

While some numeric identifiers such as “first” and “second” may have been described herein in relation to a specific component, element, or feature, it is understood that any corresponding use of these numeric identifiers in the claims is not limited to referring to only said specific component, element or feature mention above. Instead, these numeric identifiers are used in the claims to identify different components.

Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The following are statements or features described in the present disclosure. Some or all of the following statements may not be currently presented as claims. Nevertheless, the statements are believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. Associated apparatuses corresponding to the statements or methods below (and vice versa) are also believed to be patentable and may subsequently be presented as claims. It is understood that the following statements may refer to and be supported by one, more than one, or all the embodiments described above.

A1. A method of erecting a building framework of a building, the method comprising:

A2. The method of statement A1, further comprising threading, before said coupling the tension cable to the first structural frame of the first modular building unit, the tension cable through a column assembly of the second structural frame.

A3. The method of statement A1, wherein said coupling the tension cable to the second structural frame of the second modular building unit includes tensioning the tension cable with a post-tension stressing jack.

A4. The method of statement A1, wherein said step of positioning the second modular building unit comprises locating the second modular building unit over the first modular building unit in proximity to permit said step of coupling the tension cable to the first structural frame of the first modular building unit, and then pulling the tension cable to move the second modular building unit more precisely into alignment with the first modular building unit.

A5. The method of statement A1, wherein connection of the second modular building unit to the first modular building unit is achieved without welding.