Common Applications Of Containers

 

Exceptional Shipping Container Modifications In UAE

Modified containers are exceptional methods of reusing used shipping containers. Their extraordinary ability to be adapted into any structures make used shipping containers a much sought after material for constructions in UAE. Shipping containers are made of corten steels that are extremely strong and durable and can withstand any harsh weather- the very reason why used containers are utilized to build structures like rehabilitation housing shelters, offices, hospitals, or restaurants. Find out how containers are converted into useful structures by conversion companies in UAE and the typical applications of containers found here.

How Are These Structures Used For Various Applications?

Shipping containers are enormous metal containers designed and built to transfer cargoes across the sea. They are typically designed to withstand any rough conditions they encounter throughout their sea voyages. Based on their dimensions, shipping containers are broadly classified into Standard containers and high-cube containers. While standard containers have a height of 8ft, the high cube has its height towering up to 9ft 6in with other dimensions standard in both the containers. Besides these regular containers, shipping containers are also available in 20ft, 40ft and 45ft dimensions.

Due to their enormous size and the sturdy make, shipping containers are often subjected to modifications and converted into structures such as offices, water tanks, swimming pools, cafes or homes. The innovative technology has further improvised the containers into applications like bleachers for stadium or seating areas for a field. Container conversion companies in UAE have multitudes of creative talents that build various applications out of shipping containers into some useful structures. Here are a few top shipping container applications seen in UAE.

Top Shipping Container Structures

Although container homes are a concept that has been prevalent for long, the innovative ideas over the years have contributed a few eco-friendly and affordable structures. Find out a few buildings in and around the UAE that are developed from shipping containers.

Cafes and restaurants
Shipping containers have a fantastic advantage of being modified into new structures. Perhaps this is the reason why many in the hospitality sector opt for quick and easy to build shipping containers as the top choice for cafes or restaurants. These structures are also affordable and portable.

Pop up shops
Establishments like shops can be set up at a quick pace with the help of shipping containers. Popup shops are the most common applications of shipping containers because of their cost-efficiency and portability. Startup establishments usually prefer setting up their shops in converted containers.

Housing at oil rigs
UAE accommodates thousands of workers around the year at their oil field sites. These temporary housing arrangements are often subjected to dismantling or used for some other purposes. Shipping containers are useful in the oil rigs as shelters as well as fuel tanks.

Temporary offices
UAE is a thriving business centre and hence, contains numerous construction sites and businesses popping up every day. The converted shipping containers are the best option for temporary structures that can house the site engineers and contractors. These can be easily shifted to other sites or taken down, once the work is completed.

Read More : How Do You Merge Two Shipping Containers?

How Do You Merge Two Shipping Containers?

 

How are shipping containers merged to form larger spaces?

With container homes gaining prominence because of its immense strength, affordability and portability, merging containers to add up extra spaces is becoming a common practice. Stacking up containers vertically for multistoried buildings or horizontal stacking for additional space is possible only if there is a mechanism that ensures a strong binding of the containers. Designers either open up side walls or ceilings while merging multiple containers. However, the merging poses several challenges for the builders as the containers have four protruding corners making it difficult for a smooth merging. There are several methods involved in the merging procedure. The subsequent sections describe the merging and the steps involved in detail.

What are the steps involved in merging two shipping containers?

Shipping containers are fabricated units that are shipped as modules and are joined together on site. The shipped modules are placed and aligned correctly to aid for the right merging of the containers. Joining the containers involves three methods that are decided by the requirements of the customers. The aligned and conjoined containers are then sealed to prevent water leaks in the final steps of merging. Following are the detailed processes involved in the installation of shipping containers on site.

Step1: Placing and attaching containers

As the pre-fabricated containers are shipped from the factories to the onsite, placing the containers might require the assistance of people with ropes to help guide the containers to the proper places. Aligning the containers in the foundation is a crucial step to ensure perfect merging and levelling of the whole structure. Ensure by double-checking the alignment with the help of industrial vices that helps to squeeze the containers together. If the structures are intended to be permanent buildings, then bolt and fix the bottom of the containers to the foundation piers. The protruding corner posts, however, cause hindrances, albeit the containers are perfectly aligned and squeezed together. Follow the next step that mentions three different methods of connecting two containers.

Step 2: Join containers

The next step of merging is joining two containers together. There are three methods involved in the joining of containers. They are welding, bolting and sealing.

Welding: While conjoining two shipping containers, the protruding corner posts leave a small gap between the containers. This gap is sealed and welded with a steel plate. The welding process involves the usage of heavy-duty equipment to hold the structures firmly. The welding is done all over the conjoined parts to secure the containers together. Primer paint is applied over the welded joints to seal it correctly. This joining method is perfect for permanent housing structures

Bolting: Corner casting bolts are used in the bolting method to secure the containers together. The spanner in the casting bolts adjusts the bolts while joining. This method is used predominantly in the structures that are prone to frequent dismantling and relocation.

Tying: Tying is yet another corner post conjoining method that uses heavy-duty wires to secure the corner posts together. This method is also used in temporary structures.

The Final step: Sealing

The gaps are sealed intact in the final steps of merging with roof cement or mastic tapes. But before applying the seal, ensure that the rolled metal sheets are correctly installed at every opening. Another biggest challenge involving the ceiling merging is their tendency of water accumulation at the joints. Hence, the experts recommend a raised slope and making it waterproof with water-cement and mastic asphalt. Many designers also recommend additional roofing for better waterproofing.

Read More : Common Applications Of Containers