What is the load-bearing capacity of container houses?

The load-bearing capacity of container houses is divided into two categories: the original container foundation load-bearing capacity and the load-bearing capacity after modification. The core relies on the steel structure base of the shipping container, resulting in excellent overall load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, there are clear industry standards for load-bearing indicators in different scenarios, fully meeting the building's usage requirements. Below are the core load-bearing parameters and scenario descriptions: Foundation Structure Load-Bearing Capacity (Core Base): Standard shipping containers (20ft/40ft) have a weathering steel welded frame. The static load-bearing capacity can reach 8-10 layers of the same specification containers. The bottom frame of a single container has a uniformly distributed load-bearing capacity of approximately 300kg/㎡, and the single-point lifting load-bearing capacity at the four corner lifting points is ≥20 tons, meeting the load requirements for overall lifting and movement. Its torsional and compressive resistance is far superior to ordinary light steel modular buildings.

After renovation, the floor load-bearing capacity of the container houses can reach 200-300 kg/m² after compliant reinforcement (such as adding beams, laying solid wood flooring/steel ceiling panels), fully meeting the needs of typical scenarios such as offices, accommodations, and shops (approximately 150 kg/m² per person + furniture load). For industrial warehousing and heavy equipment use scenarios, customized reinforcement (densified joists, thickened floor slabs) can increase the floor load-bearing capacity to over 500 kg/m².

The roof load-bearing capacity of conventionally renovated container house roofs is approximately 150-200 kg/m², capable of withstanding rain, snow, and personnel maintenance loads. Some projects can achieve roof terraces and photovoltaic panel installation through reinforcement (photovoltaic panel + support frame load approximately 50-80 kg/m²), fully adapting to additional functional requirements.

Overall, the load-bearing capacity of compliantly converted container houses can be customized according to the usage scenario, covering both conventional civil and light industrial needs, and the stability of the steel frame ensures that its deformation under load is far below industry safety standards.

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.