shipping container home analysis 1

[Sunny19]

Dear Colleagues
I've been asked to estimate and work on a shipping container home project! any resources, concerns, or guidelines I might ask you to share? I'm starting my new company, this is an opportunity I can't afford to miss, yet no prior exposure.. greatly appreciate your help

 

[phamENG]

I'm in the same boat. I've started compiling my own resources.

ICC G5-2019 is the precursor to the 2021 non-binding shipping container structure appendix to be included in the 2021 IBC.
Structure Magazine - Safe Building with Shipping Containers
ISO 1496 is one of the standards the containers are built to. Attached is an OLD version of the standard.
Haven't watched it yet, but this AISC webinar looks promising.

If you find anything else, please share!

 

[phamENG]

Hopefully the attachment works this time...

 

[XR250]

Great resource, Pham. I generally turn these jobs down for a number of structural reasons.
That being said, I believe there is a false economy in using a shipping container for a home in areas that requires insulation. In my experience, it is more expensive that a stick built home and you are stuck with the weird, mobile home shape.

 

[LittleInch]

We've been here before now.

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=439240

and

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=434020

and this lot seem to have set something up.

http://www.residentialshippingconta...ng Containers and Building Code Requirements

follow the links on the right hand side.

Lots of people have been there and done it

https://www.buildwithrise.com/stories/container-homes-are-exactly-what-they-sound-like-homes

Also search "Grand designs shipping container"

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[phamENG]

XR - thanks for the insight. I've linked up with an architect and a contractor who are trying to gain local AHJ approval. He has experience with them on the Gulf Coast and wants to bring them to the Mid-Atlantic. I'm interested to see how it plays out. They're also growing in popularity where I grew up in Florida.

I think the biggest economic advantage comes from warehouse fabrication. If you can set up a shop where all you do is mod the containers, everything can be done in factory conditions and shipped to the site. Depending on how heavily mod'ed they are, they're generally easy to lift in place with a crane. And the appearance is growing in popularity in some circles. So if time is money, I think these can eek out an advantage.

 

[LittleInch]

I think it's only if you get to mass production type stage and have a standard single unit design with a window at one end so one is a kitchen/ dining room, one a bedroom with bathroom, one a hall with interlinking stairs / utility room etc etc then allow them to stack together as you want.

Then discover they are more expensive than other pre fab units....

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[IRstuff]

At the end of the day, a sizable chunk of any dwelling cost is the labor; the material seems to be relatively minor component, so zeroing it makes, make a 30% change, at best?

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

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[Sunny19]

Thanks all, great insight and advice. @phamENG let me know if like to connect on Linkedin and share experience.

 

[racookpe1978]

I am very suspicious of the critters and insects and dirt and mold (and weeds and brush and more nests) in the necessary open holes and spaces between the adjacent units, in the gaps underneath and the gaps and clamping holes. They are all natural - well, literally - rat's nest. Birds, opossums and the eventual accumulation of human waste and trash if not carefully cleaned regularly will make matters worse.

 

[phamENG]

racookpe1978 - so's my crawlspace. Not a winter goes by that I don't have to massacre a colony of them despite my best efforts to close up all the holes and deter them. Are there more spots for stuff to accumulate than in a typical house, perhaps. But then I've also seen designs that are significantly easier to keep clean. Nice open spaces beneath the units, spaces between nicely sealed. Regardless of the building and type of construction, everything is subject to the hazards of neglect.

 

[phamENG]

Sunny19 - sure. Some of that experience may come sooner rather than latter. Got word today that one of the container projects on my prospect board may switch to a fast track project before the end of next week. How we're going to make a first-of-its-kind-in-the-region project fast track is beyond me at the moment, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

 

[Sunny19]

well, I got the project, I will be working on it. will keep the group posted. wish me luck. and let me come back to you with questions..

 

[mohendess]

Any suggestions on the FEM analysis software to be used for the model of an 8'-0" by 20'-0" residential building container, with foundation system?