New Structural Forms and New Technologies in the Development of Steel Space Structures in China

Abstract

The last decades have seen major advances in the research, design and construction of steel space structures (space grid structures) in China. This paper provides a review of these developments, with particular attention to the new technologies and new structural forms employed in China. The following topics on new technologies and new structures are given emphasis: long-span and large-area grid structures; composite space trusses; composite reticulated shells; triple-layer space trusses; partial double-layer (single-layer) lattice shells; prestressed grid structures; cable-stayed grid structures; special grid structures; new types of joints; theoretical work and application research. Prospects for steel space structures in the 21st century are presented at the end of this paper.