Problems faced during the construction of Bird Nest Stadium, Beijing

1. Complex nodal joints

Because the structural elements in the project are box-typed, many elements intersect
spatially among the steel parts. Besides, the complex nature of secondary structures
has resulted in the diversity of nodal joints of the main structures, requiring accurate
and sophisticated manufacturing and installation.
2. Tight schedule
In addition to the huge workload, the allocated construction period is short. Having
started on December 24, 2003, the project is expected to be completed by the end of
2007, with the inauguration time scheduled for March 2008. Therefore many
operations have to be conducted on a limited terrain, causing a very tense situation.
3. Difficult work arrangement
They need to do very detailed research of operations and follow meticulous
arrangements to complete various kinds of work within a limited workspace.
4. Difficult hoisting of steel parts
To facilitate the assembly of the steel parts, the workers have to use a prone position
to assemble the truss columns, which requires a turnover process before they are
hoisted. The choice of the hoist points and lug hooks pose great difficulties in the face
of bulky and cumbersome steel parts, and the change of pulling stress from three
directions must be taken into consideration. The workers need to meticulously rectify
angles and positions of the box-typed sectional parts to ensure accurate abutment
during the hoisting process.
5. Difficult stabilizing process
They also have to fight the heavy wind load and keep the stability of the steel parts by
following a strict working order and use lateral stability measures including the use of
anchoring method and wind-holding ropes.
6. Difficult welding
The welders not only face a huge work volume, but also have to work on both the thin
steel sheets and thick steel slabs, on high-strength and cast steel elements, and take
downward, vertical or overhead positions while welding. They face temperature
changes, steel deformation and intensive labor. They need to work above ground, in
winter rain and under windy conditions.

7. Difficult installation
The workers face difficulties in ensuring accurate installation as the steel parts and the
related gigs and fixtures can be deformed easily under their own dead weight and the
change of temperatures. The workers must take pre-installation measures to rectify
and relieve the errors that might occur in the process of installation.