Shipping Containers 1

[bpstruct]

Has anyone ever worked on a project involving shipping containers? I have a potential project that will involve stacking a series of these to create a building. There will be openings that are cut into the walls. I'm curious about how these are framed and if anyone has any other pitfalls to watch out for.

 

[rb1957]

Someone from Christchurch NZ, where they used containers for years as temporary shops.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[racookpe1978]

Get the specifications from the ISO list.

Assume NOTHING more than the absolute minimum of any thickness, length or weld quality. Certainly, "some" are better than minimum, but don't bet that way.

I don't like the idea because the shape of the walls and hollow areas between containers are natural food traps and rat/vermin nests on the accumulated debris that human's throw in the crevices.

 

[Hoxton]

Well google may be your first start

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container

Remember that there are engineered and constructed to standards.

if YOU cut holes in them, YOU are responsible.

 

[IRstuff]

Are they new, or used? There's been some movement to re-purpose used shipping containers for various applications.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
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[271828]

Pitfalls? I have never used one of these on a job, so I can't say for sure.

I watched an NASCC presentation on these this past spring. Mostly, I was thinking that it's hard enough to coordinate with architectural when I'm NOT stuck with an 8 ft module! The whole idea seemed asinine to me. However, if people are making money by designing safe structures with them, then more power to 'em.

 

[JStephen]

I recall reading long long ago of hippie efforts to build geodesic domes from the roofs of old cars, and it was pointed out then, that much of the cost of a house is in the foundation, piping, electrical, heating/AC, windows, etc., so if you come up with a free "frame", you don't save that much.

And I've read of people wanting to repurpose old school buses, which are cheap enough. But one problem is, they're generally not insulated, not tall enough, just not made to use as RVs, etc.

With the containers, I will point out that if they need to be recoated, with a regular abrasive blast and heavy duty coatings, that is expensive. So factor that into the building and maintenance cost.

Assuming you are not using these right next to the shipyard they come from, you'll run into a pretty good chunk of change hauling them and unloading/placing them as well.

You may have a lot of strength in these things, but trying to show that if you don't have mechanical properties, material certificates, etc., may be a challenge.

 

[dik]

I had a client that used them for 'blast' resistant office space at a chemical plant. Seem to have worked out well.

There was just an article of containers being used for a house in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada... a classy looking house... but, there was no cost savings in the article. House cost $500,000. I can't see that, myself.

Found a link:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1453192

Dik

 

[T_Bat]

A few quick thoughts:

1. Definitely find and watch the presentation from Dr. Ioannides from NASCC.
2. Before modification these things are very strong. The sides essentially work compositely with the top and bottom rails.
3. These routinely see higher loads than any earthquake ground motion could cause while in transport on ships.
4. As soon as you cut holes in them #2 goes out the window (see #1).
5. You need to think about sequencing and access to attach the modules together. You may end up with a lot of blind connections and tricky spots as they get stacked and oriented.

 

[Lomarandil]

Thanks TBat

To save all of you from spending your hard-earned Google-fu:

https://www.aisc.org/education/cont...ainers-in-low-rise-building-construction-n21/

https://www.aisc.org/education/cont...ry-residential-and-commercial-structures-n16/

----
The name is a long story -- just call me Lo.

 

[LittleInch]

This is a common issue.

See

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

and also follow the link to a further post whet there are some good links to people who do this for a living

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

 

[MotorCity]

Seems like you would need prior approval from the building official. More specifically, what is the lateral resisting system....some concoction of stacked shear wall system? I buy the shear wall analogy but I have not seen any information of corrugated steel plate shear walls. AISC has a design guide for steel plate shear walls, but I think that would be a stretch.

 

[bpstruct]

Thanks to all!

 

[kmart30]

The huge problem I see here is getting it permitted. I had a client seriously approach me about this last year; a month or so later he said the meeting with the city was about 5 minutes and they basically laughed him out of there. I know it can be done but there is alot more going on then just a steel box and I dont think its worth the time and headaches to make it happen at least here in our area. They all look great on HGTV tho.....

 

[LittleInch]

So what are you going to do now?

Still go ahead? or realise it's not quote as good as it initially looks?

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