Winter Construction Measures for Steel Structure Industrial Buildings
2025-03-17 
248
General Requirements
Steel fabrication and installation during winter must strictly comply with relevant winter construction regulations.
For components fabricated at positive temperatures but installed at sub-zero temperatures, shrinkage due to temperature differences must be accounted for, with technical adjustments applied to correct deviations.
Material and Component Preparation
Welders working on sub-zero temperature projects must undergo specialized low-temperature welding training and obtain certification.
Steel and connection materials used in sub-zero conditions must include quality certificates and meet design specifications.
Electrodes exposed for over 2 hours in sub-zero environments must be re-baked; maximum baking cycles: 3 times.
Flux must be pre-dried to ensure moisture content ≤ 0.1%.
High-strength bolts for sub-zero use require certification and re-testing of torque coefficients/axial forces under low temperatures.
Water-based coatings are prohibited for steel structures in sub-zero conditions.
Fabrication Adjustments
Allowance for shrinkage, weld shrinkage, and compression deformation must align with steel contraction rates at low temperatures.
Assembly sequences should follow inner-to-outer expansion principles, with pre-tested weld shrinkage values for sub-zero conditions.
Clean joint surfaces (50mm width) of rust, burrs, ice, snow, oil, or debris; ensure dryness before assembly.
Welding Practices
Use multi-layer welding with upward layering.
Complete each weld pass uninterrupted; re-inspect and repair defects if interrupted.
No arc striking directly on base metal.
For steel plates thicker than 9mm in sub-zero temperatures:
Defective welds must be removed and re-welded per low-temperature welding standards.
On-Site Installation
Erect protective shelters during snowfall or wind speeds exceeding 6 m/s.
Pre-clean components of ice, snow, or moisture without damaging coatings.
Immediately correct and permanently fix columns and main beams after sub-zero installation. Ensure daily-installed components form a stable spatial system.
Logistics and Handling
Apply anti-skid measures during winter transport and stacking.
Ensure flat, ice-free, and solid ground for storage. Stack identical components horizontally with aligned supports to prevent slippage.
Use anti-slip pads for sling lifting; secure node plates and tools with ropes.
Quality Control
Re-inspect components for sub-zero conditions before installation. Repair transportation-induced deformations on-site.
Follow temperature-specific installation sequence charts.
Develop welding procedures prohibiting simultaneous welding at both ends of a component.
Friction surfaces for high-strength bolts must be free of ice, snow, oil, or debris.
Coating and Final Checks
Conduct coating tests if temperatures fall below 0°C. Clean surfaces of rust, oil, and burrs; ensure dryness. No painting during snowfall or icy conditions.
Final inspections must adhere to both the Code for Construction and Acceptance of Steel Structure Engineering (GB 50250-95) and project-specific design criteria.
By implementing these measures, winter construction of steel structures can ensure safety, quality, and compliance with technical standards under challenging environmental conditions.
