Abstract: To solve the application problem about self-piercing rivet (SPR) technique used in prefabricated cold-formed thin-walled steel structure, for SPR and self-drilling screw connections of cold-formed thin-walled steel sheet with five common thicknesses, the comparison tests of shear and tension performance were conducted. On the basis of the performance of the self-drilling screw connection, the feasibility of mechanical properties of SPR connection was analyzed according to the shearing and tensile performance index comprised of bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility, deformation and so on. Based on the constructing method of construction sites for cold-formed thin-walled steel structures and the particularity of SPR technique, the construction feasibility of SPR connection was also analyzed. The results showed that in same condition for SPR connection, the performance index of shear and tension such as bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility and so on are better than self-drilling screw connection, especially in shear stiffness, however, the shear deformation is relatively small. The application of SPR connection in non-seismic structure is more feasible, but it needs a further study for seismic structure. In addition, SPR is only apply to modular prefabricated cold-formed thin-walled steel structure system that is industrially produced and machined, as well as the combination thickness of steel plate should not be go over 4 mm.