What makes a building complex connected properly?

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Proper Connectivity in Complex Building Systems

Introduction to Smart Connected Buildings

Smart connected buildings are intricate systems that integrate multiple subsystems, including thermal, electrical, mechanical, control, communication, and computing components. These subsystems must be designed and operated cohesively to ensure efficient and smooth operation. A holistic approach to the design, deployment, and operation of these subsystems is crucial for minimizing energy costs, supporting a robust electric grid, and mitigating environmental impact.

Structural Connections in Coupled Buildings

Seismic Response and Energy Dissipation

Connecting adjacent buildings can significantly reduce structural responses during seismic events. This is achieved by transferring dynamic forces between the structures, which helps in dissipating energy and reducing critical responses. Various connection types, such as rigid, passive, semi-active, active, and hybrid, have been explored to enhance the performance of coupled buildings. Fluid-viscous dampers, for instance, provide energy dissipation and mode coupling effects, which are essential for controlling the dynamic behavior of connected buildings.

Modular Steel Building Connections

In modular steel buildings, connections between prefabricated units are vital for load transfer and overall structural stability. Traditional inter-module connections often use direct plates and bolts, which can be problematic. Innovative designs, such as beam-to-beam bolted connections and intermediate plug-in devices, have been proposed to improve ease of installation and structural performance. These designs ensure better load transfer capacity, aseismic behavior, and stiffness, although they may affect ductility performance .

Topological Links and Connectivity

CityGML and Topological Links

CityGML, an international standard for 3D city modeling, utilizes topological links to connect geometries. These links, known as cell complexes, represent connections at various levels, from nodes and lines to surfaces and buildings. This method provides a compact way to preserve topological properties and facilitate navigation through connected objects, ensuring proper connectivity in urban environments.

Overlapping Community Structures

Complex networks, such as those found in nature and society, often consist of overlapping communities. Identifying these communities is crucial for understanding the structural and functional properties of networks. Techniques for exploring overlapping communities reveal significant overlaps and universal features, which are essential for analyzing the modular structure of complex systems.

Performance Requirements for Inter-Module Connections

Structural Needs and Manufacturing Requirements

Inter-module connections in multi-story modular buildings must meet structural needs while satisfying manufacturing and construction requirements. Efficient structural systems for lateral load transfer and high-performance inter-module connectivity are critical for the stability and robustness of modular buildings. Existing connecting systems are reviewed against these performance requirements to assist in the development of fully-modular superstructure construction systems.

Conclusion

Proper connectivity in complex building systems involves a holistic approach to integrating various subsystems, innovative connection designs for modular buildings, and the use of topological links for urban modeling. By addressing these aspects, buildings can achieve better structural stability, energy efficiency, and overall performance.