## 1 Introduction  
The increasing demand for adaptable and reusable steel structures has fostered the development of connection systems that enable disassembly and structural reconfiguration without impairing material integrity. Clamp-based fastening systems have emerged as a viable solution to this challenge by offering non-invasive mechanical fixation that preserves steel components' original geometry and strength [1, 2, 3, 4]. These systems avoid the drawbacks of traditional welding or bolting methods, such as permanent material alteration, localized damage, or alignment limitations in successive installations [5, 6]. Although clamp-based connections have demonstrated advantages in reusability and ease of assembly [7, 8, 9], most existing studies emphasize failure mechanisms and ultimate load-bearing capacity [10; 11]. However, their performance under service-level conditions--particularly within the elastic range--remains underexplored. This behavioral domain is critical for systems intended for repeated use, where structural components must retain integrity across multiple assembly and disassembly cycles. In temporary installations, modular frames, and industrial maintenance platforms, ensuring durability, stability, and mechanical efficiency requires a clear understanding of elastic behavior [1; 4; 12; 13; 14]. In addition, recent work on alternative steel connection systems, such as semi-rigid and rigid beam-column, has highlighted the importance of preserving connection performance under varying demands [15; 16]. These studies reinforce the continued interest in unconventional joints that ensure mechanical continuity and structural reliability without inducing permanent damage. Other recent investigations on innovative steel joint solutions further underscore the ongoing interest in alternative connection strategies for structural applications [14]. The finite element model has been widely employed to simulate the behavior of steel joints [17], enabling accurate prediction of stress distribution, stiffness response, and force paths, particularly in systems with contact interfaces and frictional behavior [18; 19; 20]. Combined with experimental validation, it provides a robust framework to evaluate the effectiveness of clamp configurations in maintaining structural performance without plastic damage [21; 22]. However, prior studies have often used finite element models to study global structural responses or nonlinear behavior without detailed validation of local displacement measurements in realistic clamp-based configurations. This disconnects numerical modeling from the elastic performance observed under service-level conditions. Recent studies have advanced the understanding of clamp-based systems in reversible and modular applications. For instance, [PERSON] et al. [14] demonstrated that clamp-based joints maintain uniform stress distribution across the clamping surface when subjected to monotonic loads, preserving elastic behavior and enabling reuse. [PERSON] et al. [8] compared the stiffness of clamp and bolted joints using shaking table tests, highlighting that clamped joints provide sufficient rigidity for structural systems while simplifying reconfiguration. The structural systems investigated in this study consist of modular steel assemblies composed of linear elements--specifically, IPE profiles and triangular braces--connected via clamp-based joints. These configurations differ from conventional modular approaches used in building enclosures or residential units by prioritizing adaptability and reusability in industrial settings. Their design supports frequent reconfiguration and mechanical efficiency, particularly in maintenance platforms, modular shelving, and temporary support structures, where rapid assembly and disassembly are critical.