What structural reinforcements are needed for multi-storey container houses?
2026-02-04 10:05:40
Structural Reinforcements for Multi-storey Container Houses
Focus on load-bearing, anti-tilt, seismic and connection stability, core reinforcements as follows:
Vertical load-bearing: Add steel square tube/channel steel uprights at container corners (main stress points) to bear upper floor weight; reinforce container bottom beams with thickened steel plates.
Inter-layer connection: Use high-strength bolts + steel connecting plates to fix upper and lower containers (full welding at joints for seismic); lay a steel frame floor between layers to disperse load evenly.
Lateral anti-sway/seismic: Install steel diagonal braces (X-type) on container side walls and between uprights; add a ring beam at the top of the whole structure to enhance integral rigidity and resist wind/earthquake force.
Foundation reinforcement: Pour a reinforced concrete strip foundation/independent foundation (instead of simple ground leveling) to bear concentrated load; install anti-slip anchor bolts to fix the bottom frame with the foundation.
Opening reinforcement: Add steel reinforcing rings/ribs around wall/window openings (if modified) to make up for load-bearing loss from cutting the original container steel plate.
References
GB/T 7714:Pinilla-Melo J, Aira-Zunzunegui J R, La Ferla G, et al. Design of a Shipping Container-Based Home: Structural, Thermal, and Acoustic Conditioning[J]. Buildings, 2025, 15(17): 3127.
MLA:Pinilla-Melo, Javier, et al. "Design of a Shipping Container-Based Home: Structural, Thermal, and Acoustic Conditioning." Buildings 15.17 (2025): 3127.
APA:Pinilla-Melo, J., Aira-Zunzunegui, J. R., La Ferla, G., de la Prida, D., & Navacerrada, M. Á. (2025). Design of a Shipping Container-Based Home: Structural, Thermal, and Acoustic Conditioning. Buildings, 15(17), 3127.
