Modular construction is a highly industrialized construction method where 3D modules are fully finished in the factory and are assembled in the site to form a permanent building. By prioritizing off-site manufacture, the modular method greatly minimizes on-site work leading to improved quality, reduced overall construction time, and lessen environmental impacts. Modular construction is efficient for buildings with repeatable units, such as multi-family residential dwellings, student housing, hospitals, hotels, and offices. Although most of the existing modular buildings are low-rise, in the past 10 years the modular technique has been applied to buildings taller than 20 stories.

Despite the recent achievements of the modular construction industry, studies on the dynamic behavior of modular buildings are still limited. Such studies are crucial to safely expand the application of modular construction to high-rise buildings. To contribute to the modular construction market, the University of Toronto and DIALOG Design have conducted an extensive research on the seismic performance of braced modular steel buildings. This presentation will cover the main findings of this recently published research as well as structural aspects of high-rise modular buildings around the world.