Development and Practice of Steel Structure Construction Technology

Over the past 40 years of reform and opening-up, the application of steel structures in our country has undergone a transformation from the periphery to the mainstream. The rapid development of steel structures has promoted the industrialization and intelligentization of China’s construction industry. This article reviews the development of steel structure erection technology in the past 30 years since the 1980s. By introducing a series of landmark projects such as Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Guangzhou New TV Tower, and Shanghai South Railway Station, it elaborates on the historical evolution of construction technology and equipment for various structural systems. Following this, through a series of typical projects in the past decade, such as the Shanghai Tower, the renovation of the Shanghai Stadium, and the Shanghai Expo Museum, it is pointed out that the current steel structure erection technology has made significant advancements in digital processing, measurement, welding, and tower cranes. Finally, based on the current development issues and trends in steel structures, the steel structure renovation system and reinforcement technology for urban renewal, the connection technology and processes for high-strength and high-performance steel, as well as digital management and intelligent construction equipment, will be the key directions for the further development of steel structures. It is anticipated China’s steel structure erection technology will achieve greater advancements and become a leader in the transformation and development of the construction industry.