The New Space Frame Industry Holds Enormous Growth Potential—China Steel Structure Association's Space Structure Branch Holds Grid Structure Enterprise Conference in Changzhou

Recently, the Spatial Structures Branch of the China Steel Structure Association held a high-level forum for grid structure enterprises (including space frames and shell structures) in Changzhou. Experts from the Spatial Structures Branch noted that while small-span steel structures and space frames may not match light steel in certain applications, space frames excel in large-span steel projects due to advantages such as lower steel consumption and easier installation. Consequently, Changzhou's emerging space frame structure industry is poised for continued steady growth.

Changzhou's status as the "Home of Space Frames" is now an indisputable fact.

Facing the rapidly developing steel structure industry, Zhang Yigang, Chairman of the Spatial Structure Branch of the China Steel Structure Association and Director of the Spatial Structure Research Center at Beijing University of Technology, summarized the developmental characteristics of steel structure buildings: increasing height, expanding scale, greater spans, and more innovative designs. Twenty-five years ago, apart from Feihong Group, other steel structure enterprises in Changzhou were limited in scale and weak in technology. Today, Changzhou's steel structure enterprises have gradually developed comprehensive strengths in design, manufacturing, and construction. Numerous projects have gained national recognition, solidifying Changzhou's undisputed reputation as the "Home of Space Frame Structures." Bolted spherical joints can reach diameters up to 1.2 meters. The 200,000-ton spherical grid-shell coal storage silo constructed by Changzhou Zhongmei Steel Structure Company in 2007 at Holin River was hailed as "Asia's largest light steel grid-shell coal storage structure" and received the Gold Award from China's Ministry of Construction. Multiple projects undertaken by Changzhou Feihong, Jiangsu Hengjiu, Jiangsu Tiandi, and Changzhou Anmeiguo have been honored with China's "Steel Structure Gold Award."

Leveraging Strengths to Drive Corporate Advancement

Lan Tian, former chairman of the Spatial Structure Branch and researcher at the China Academy of Building Research, stated in an interview that as urban and rural development continues to advance, creating resource-efficient residential environments and reducing construction consumption have become industry consensus. He noted: "The advantages of the green and energy-efficient steel structure residential building system primarily align with the requirements of a circular economy. Steel structures are currently almost the only recyclable building system in China. Beyond their excellent seismic performance and rapid construction speed, they also play a significant role in conserving resources and energy."
He proposed that steel grid structure enterprises in Changzhou should integrate their technological strengths to achieve modular design, standardized components, factory-based processing, and prefabricated construction. They should also strengthen cooperation with real estate developers to fully advance the development of steel structure residential buildings in China.
Calls for Expedited Industry Standardization
Leveraging its status as China's largest production and distribution hub for space frame and steel structure products, the National Space Frame and Steel Structure Quality Inspection Center was established in Xuzhou in December 2007, becoming another prestigious "city calling card" for Changzhou. However, the persistent absence of industry standards for the space frame sector remains a significant shortcoming. Experts including Dr. Li Chengming, Vice Chairman of the Spatial Structure Branch and Deputy Director of the Technical Center at Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Group, and Geng Xiaobing, Deputy Director of the Naval Engineering Design Bureau, have proposed that the Spatial Structure Branch and the Quality Inspection Center should take the lead in establishing industry standards for space frames as soon as possible to promote the industry's sustainable and healthy development.

Li Chengming, Geng Xiaobing, and others believe that companies like Changzhou Feihong have continuously refined their expertise in steel structure processing, fabrication, and welding techniques, establishing a comprehensive set of strict technical operating procedures and quality management systems. However, to achieve further development, it is essential to establish a complete set of industry-wide recognized standards and specifications for the space frame sector. This would not only benefit the growth and strengthening of Changzhou's space frame enterprises but also play a positive role in the development of the entire domestic industry.