The grid structure can be divided into flat grid and curved grid based on its appearance. Usually, a flat grid is called a grid; Curved grid structures, also known as grid shells, are curved grid structures that combine the characteristics of rod structures and thin shell structures. They are subjected to reasonable forces and have a large coverage span. They are a space structure that has been highly valued both domestically and internationally, developed the fastest in half a century, and have broad development prospects. The mesh shell structure has a beautiful construction shape, providing planners with full creative freedom in terms of construction plane, shape, and form. On the construction plane, one can be accustomed to various shapes, such as circles, rectangles, polygons, triangles, sectors, and various irregular planes; In terms of appearance, it can form various curved surfaces, such as spherical, elliptical, and rotating parabolic roofs. The various forms of construction can be obtained by cutting and combining the curved surfaces; Structurally, the grid shell is subjected to reasonable forces and can complete larger spans. Due to the diversity of the grid shell surfaces, structural planners can make the grid shell uniformly stressed through careful surface planning; Smaller components are selected for prefabrication in the factory during construction, completing industrial production. The on-site installation is simple and fast, without the need for large equipment, and the comprehensive technical and economic indicators are good.

| 01 The grid steel structure is a type of spatial truss structure with three-dimensional stress characteristics, which can accept effects in various directions. The grid structure is generally a high-order statically indeterminate structure. If a rod fails locally, the number of statically indeterminate structures is only reduced once, and the internal force can be readjusted and dispersed. The entire structure generally does not fail, and has a high safety reserve. | 02 The members in the steel structure of the grid structure are both load-bearing members and mutually supporting members, working together. They have good overall and stability, high spatial stiffness, and can effectively accept asymmetric loads, concentrated loads, and dynamic loads. They have good seismic performance. |
| 03 Under the node load effect, each member primarily receives axial tension and pressure, which can fully utilize the strength of the data and save steel. | 04 Compared with grid shells, flat grid structures are a type of spatial structure without horizontal thrust or tension. The support structure is relatively simple, generally simply supported, which is convenient for the treatment of the lower support structure. However, grid shell structures tend to have more reasonable stress due to their structural type, and can achieve a more beautiful construction appearance. |
| 05 The grid steel structure not only completes the construction of large-span structures using smaller specifications of members, but also occupies less space and can more effectively use space, such as placing various equipment and pipelines in the space between the upper and lower chords of the grid and multi-layer grid shell structures. | 06 Grid structures and shell structures have sensitive planar placement and are suitable for various construction planes such as rectangles, circles, ellipses, polygons, and sectors. The construction style is novel, lightweight, magnificent, and highly expressive, which is highly favored by builders and homeowners. |
Due to the many characteristics of grid steel structures mentioned above, China has built numerous different types and planar forms of grid structures since 1964. At present, China has become a major producer of grid structures, with the world's largest annual production scale and construction area.
Because grid steel structures can adapt to buildings with different spans, plane shapes, support conditions, and functional requirements, they are not only used in industrial and civil construction of small and medium-sized spans, but also in the construction of large and medium-sized sports venues, exhibition halls, halls, cinemas, stations, hangars, factories, warehouses, and other structures.
