The Shanghai Stadium, initially completed in 1997, underwent significant renovations to meet FIFA requirements. The stadium's seating capacity was increased from 58,000 to 72,000, and interactive facilities were added to enhance its status as a premier sports venue. In order to meet requirement for full coverage of the stands the steel roof was further extended 16.5m towards the inner field, and the cantilever span increased to 81.5m after renovation.
This pioneering project is the first large-scale cantilever extension of a cantilevered steel tube truss structure using a spoke cable-supported system in China.
A deep understanding of structural principles allowed the team to explore different structural options. Novel welding reinforcement technology was developed to strengthen steel pipe members and intersecting nodes under high-stress conditions, addressing deficiencies in the structural strength of the renovated roof framework.
This is restoration on a large scale, setting the benchmark for sports architecture reinforcement and renovation over new build. A well-considered and technically proficient solution which increased collective professional knowledge in the rarified field of stadia extensions.