Both use steel as the main material, but have different emphasis on specific material selection. When selecting materials for steel structures, the selection is mainly based on the specific structural form and the load conditions it can withstand. From ordinary carbon steel to high-strength alloy steel, they can all be selected to meet different load requirements and usage environments. For example, in some small industrial buildings that are sensitive to costs and have relatively low load requirements, ordinary carbon steel with affordable prices may be used; In some bridge structures that bear huge loads, high-strength alloy steel is used to ensure the safety and durability of the structure.

Due to the large number of members and the need to withstand complex spatial forces, grid structures tend to use high-strength and lightweight steel, such as low-alloy high-strength structural steel such as Q345. This type of steel not only ensures the strength of the structure, but also effectively reduces its own weight, thereby reducing construction and usage costs. In some large-span buildings with strict limitations on structural self weight, this lightweight and high-strength steel is particularly important.
Force characteristics: complex diversity and collaborative dispersion
The stress forms of steel structural components are diverse, including tension, pressure, bending moment, and shear force. In different structural forms, the stress situation of components is often complex and requires precise mechanical analysis and calculation to determine their bearing capacity. For example, in a multi story steel structure frame, beams mainly bear bending moments and shear forces, while columns mainly bear pressure and bending moments. Moreover, under horizontal loads, beam column joints also bear complex stress states.
The grid structure disperses and transmits loads evenly through the synergistic effect between the members. Its overall force distribution is relatively uniform, and its spatial stress performance is good, which can fully exert the strength of the material and withstand large spans and complex loads. In the grid roof structure of some large exhibition halls, whether the load comes from snow accumulation on the roof or lateral wind force, it can be effectively dispersed to the foundation through the collaborative work of the grid members, ensuring the safety and stability of the structure.
Production and installation: diverse craftsmanship and precision first
The production process of steel structures is rich and diverse, commonly including welding, bolt connections, etc. During the installation process, it is necessary to choose the appropriate method based on the specific structural form and site conditions. For large-span steel structures, it is often necessary to use large lifting equipment and complex construction techniques to complete the installation. For example, when constructing large bridges, it may be necessary to use large floating cranes to accurately lift prefabricated steel structural components to designated positions, and then splice and fix them.
The production of grid structures requires extremely high precision, and the processing of members and nodes must strictly control the dimensions to ensure smooth installation. During the installation process, methods such as high-altitude bulk loading, segmented installation, and overall lifting are often used. Moreover, the installation process also has very strict requirements for measurement and positioning, requiring the use of high-precision measuring instruments to monitor and adjust the position and shape of the grid in real time, ensuring the accuracy of its geometric shape and size. For example, when installing the grid roof of a large sports arena, high-precision measuring equipment such as a total station may be used to accurately measure and locate each installation node, ensuring the installation accuracy of the entire grid structure.
Application scenarios: Wide applicability and distinctive expertise
The application scope of steel structures is extremely wide, covering multiple fields such as industrial buildings, high-rise buildings, bridges, etc. It can meet the needs of different building functions and shapes, whether it is a simple and practical industrial plant or a uniquely shaped modern building. Steel structures can play an important role with their flexible design and strong load-bearing capacity.
The grid structure is commonly used in large-span public buildings such as sports halls, exhibition halls, terminals, etc. due to its unique spatial stress performance and styling characteristics. These buildings have high requirements for spatial openness and aesthetics. The grid structure can not only meet the needs of large-span space, but also showcase unique architectural beauty through its regular and orderly structural form, adding unique charm to the building.
There are significant differences between grid structure and steel structure in terms of structural form, material selection, stress characteristics, production and installation, and application scenarios. In actual construction projects, we need to consider these factors comprehensively based on specific project requirements, select the most suitable structural form, and create safe, economical, and beautiful architectural works.