structural support 2 story shipping container home

[engineer_123]

As the experts on here may know, shipping containers are originally designed for the four (4) corner post to carry the majority of the loads, which is why they are stacked parallel to each other. As far as I understand, the bottom, top, side rails are fairly weak; and are even more weak when the corrugated walls are cut out. I need opinions on the best way to structurally modify the first floor of the shipping container to accommodate the second floor? Containers being used are 8'Wx19.87'Lx9.5'H, perpendicular, ~3' overhang. The middle-corrugated walls will be cut-out, a metal stairway with one (1) landing will connect the upper and lower floors. All the members in my model are completely failing, given the loads, mostly the 150 mph winds. It seems that the entire bottom floor will require headers/bracing etc. First floor will be slab-on-grade.

 

[SWComposites]

Probably cheaper to build a new first floor from scratch.

 

[JAE]

Maybe hire a structural engineer to help you out?

 

[mfgenggear]

There should be designs out there on drawings for sell, design by civil or architects for sale

 

[Eng16080]

I had a potential project like this a couple years ago. The architect was cutting large openings in shipping containers, stacking them vertically, doing all kinds of crazy stuff. I did some research and ultimately concluded that these containers are quite strong when being stacked like shipping containers normally are, and quite weak otherwise. This is, of course, not surprising. I'm sure manufacturers of shipping containers have these things highly optimized for their intended use.

The architect seemed offended when I gave my opinion. He was certain a shipping container could easily handle any sort of load because it's made of metal.

 

[mfgenggear]

Can any one verify that the floors are infused with pesticides.
These shipping container are designed to ship goods. Not people. I was tolded that the roof and walls are not structural. And can not take
weight or loads.

 

[engineer_123]

Can any one verify that the floors are infused with pesticides.
These shipping container are designed to ship goods. Not people. I was tolded that the roof and walls are not structural. And can not take
weight or loads.

I think the floors being contaminated is a myth. There is a youtuber "shipping container guy" who had the floors analyzed.

 

[driftLimiter]

Not sure if you are using US codes, but IBC has a section related to this application that you may find insightful.

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1/chapter-31-special-construction

See Section 3115.

Have you considered finding someone with experience in shipping container repurposing? A 3d FEA model is probably not going to get you all you need to properly design one of these.

 

[mfgenggear]

here is article and some good tips

Why is Structural Framing Important for a Modified Shipping Container?

www-falconstructures-com.cdn.ampproject.org

 

[engineer_123]

Not sure if you are using US codes, but IBC has a section related to this application that you may find insightful.

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P1/chapter-31-special-construction

See Section 3115.

Have you considered finding someone with experience in shipping container repurposing? A 3d FEA model is probably not going to get you all you need to properly design one of these.

yes, thank you for the info.

 

[engineer_123]

I google this, and this was AI response
, many shipping containers have marine-grade plywood flooring that is infused with a small amount of insecticide to prevent bugs from nesting. The pesticides used in shipping containers are generally not a risk to people, as they do not aerosolize and have low vapor pressure. However, there are some things to consider when dealing with shipping containers and pesticides:

• Toxicity
  Some studies have found that the chemicals used in shipping containers can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can also increase the risk of cancer or psychiatric problems.
  
  
• Contamination
  Toxic products and fumigants can contaminate the goods transported in shipping containers.

may just rip out the floor, do not know at the moment.

 

[Tomfh]

The obsession with repurposing shipping containers into homes, swimming pools, and all sorts of other things is something I’ll never quite understand. I just don’t see the appeal. Yet, for some reason, people seem completely captivated by the idea, treating it like a revolutionary life hack.

 

[engineer_123]

The obsession with repurposing shipping containers into homes, swimming pools, and all sorts of other things is something I’ll never quite understand. I just don’t see the appeal. Yet, for some reason, people seem completely captivated by the idea, treating it like a revolutionary life hack.

It makes sense if you keep it minimal, $2,000 for a shell is not bad

 

[Eng16080]

The obsession with repurposing shipping containers into homes, swimming pools, and all sorts of other things is something I’ll never quite understand. I just don’t see the appeal. Yet, for some reason, people seem completely captivated by the idea, treating it like a revolutionary life hack.

I can see it maybe making sense if there are minimal modifications to the container.

To be what most people would consider a comfortable living space, though, you would presumably need interior walls along the perimeter with insulation, wiring, etc. The container would also need to sit on a foundation, ideally with the floor insulated. The ceiling/roof would need insulation as well. After considering these things, I'm not sure it's really any better/cheaper than constructing a tiny wood framed house. Also, from the research I've done, I don't think these containers are intended to be left exposed to weather for (presumably) decades.

 

[XR250]

To be what most people would consider a comfortable living space, though, you would presumably need interior walls along the perimeter with insulation, wiring, etc. The container would also need to sit on a foundation, ideally with the floor insulated. The ceiling/roof would need insulation as well. After considering these things, I'm not sure it's really any better/cheaper than constructing a tiny wood framed house. Also, from the research I've done, I don't think these containers are intended to be left exposed to weather for (presumably) decades.

Agreed. I think they make sense in temperate climates with no AHJ though.

 

[Tomfh]

I can see it maybe making sense if there are minimal modifications to the container.

I agree they are useful as basic structures. We have a couple on our property as sheds. They sit on blocks. They have single door on the side. Simple roof spanning between them.

But there are no large openings, no windows, no insulation, no finishes, no drainage, no wet areas, etc. By the time you’re done you may as well have just built a house.

I know another guy who has one who uses it as a shed, and also uses it to move house. When they move house every few years they put everything into it, get it hauled to the new location, then unload.

 

[mfgenggear]

Well one should consider pros and cons.
Like if painted correctly it will last for ever.
Termites is n/a
Weather resistances
Will not burn easily

Issues with stick build,
Termites
Rot
Weaker strength