In view of the characteristics and development bottlenecks of large lock metal structure,combined with the application of the metal structure design of nearly 20 large ship locks,such as the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal,Ganjiang,Xiangjiang and Xijiang rivers,BIM technology is used to the aided design of metal structure,structure calculation and optimization,engineering expression,engineering data extraction,operation,which promote the exploration and discussion of professional development and construction.The results show that BIM technology has very important significance for mastering lock core in whole life cycle,improving the universality and interchangeability of the ship lock metal structure,promoting the standardization and seriation of ship lock metal structure,promoting the development of industry and improving the professional theoretical system.