Abstract: Based on the analysis of the generating reasons of the welding residual stress, the common measurement and the elimination methods of the welding residual stress were researched. The advantages and disadvantages of different methods were discussed. In practical work, the appropriate methods of residual stress elimination should be chosen according to the difficulty degree of operation, work efficiency, economic cost and so on. Finally it was pointed out that the research and measurement of the welding residual stress had important significance to the manufacture and scientific tests.