Do you plan to build a container house but have no idea how to level shipping containers in the beginning? You are reading the right article! This article will discuss how to level shipping containers, the type, and its benefits.
Container houses are the perfect solution for those with a limited budget. This concept is truly revolutionary, turning containers into extraordinary rest spaces. They offer affordable costs and fast construction, so you can optimize your time.
In addition to the quality of the container itself, the foundation is also very important for the sturdiness of the mobile home. Understanding the right foundation for a container house can help you plan to build a portable home smoothly. Find out more in this article!
Types of House Foundations
A container house level refers to the structural base that supports shipping container homes. Since these homes are often made from steel containers, it is essential to ensure the foundation is robust and stable enough to carry the weight of the containers.
There are two types of house foundations, shallow and deep foundations. Both types are adjusted to the construction of the building.
Shallow Foundation
Are you having a simple construction project? Don’t miss the opportunity to apply the shallow foundation approach. This method is designed by building a foundation close to the ground surface, ensuring unmatched comfort. Various variants of shallow foundations are:
- Raft Foundation: this is the ideal choice for managing structural loads with a large area. Suitable for soft or loose soil with low resistance levels.
- Point Foundation (Footprint): Concentrates on key points. Formed in the form of a circle, square, or rectangle. Designed with an immovable concrete layer.
- Strip or Longitudinal Foundation: Supports longitudinal line loads. Proven effective for building walls with square, rectangular, or trapezoidal shapes.
Deep Foundation
This is a strong foundation for your structural dreams. This deep foundation is specially designed to build multi-story buildings. By planting at the appropriate depth, its bearing capacity will be in line with the load of the building structure and the soil conditions at your location. Various types of deep foundations are:
- Diaphragm Wall Foundation: The ideal solution for channeling structural loads through soil excavation. You can install the Piers foundation structure simultaneously with the excavation, ensuring its toughness.
- Pile Foundation: You can rely on the reliability of concrete as its main component. This concrete is embedded vertically in the ground using a piling machine, providing unshakable stability.
- Bored Pile Foundation: Build a solid foundation on the ground surface. The depth of the foundation is adjusted to the needs through a measured hole-making process. With the application of drilling techniques, this foundation is an undoubted choice.
Advantages of Using Foundations in Home Construction
The right foundation offers the advantage of keeping the building standing solidly and used for a long time. Here are the advantages and functions of using construction foundations in homes:
Prevent House Shifting
When discussing building structures, the danger of shifting always lurks, with significant potential risks. What if a situation like this arises?
The impact can be very serious, especially when the foundation is unable to face this challenge. The threat of building collapse becomes real. Therefore, building a solid foundation is an inevitable step to avoid this potential disaster.
Become a Retainer When the Land Changes
Soil, as a natural element, constantly changes in shape, structure, and condition. These changes are triggered by the force of the earth’s core. One year the land may sink, and a few years later there could be changes that result in a rise in the land surface. All of these are the impacts of natural dynamics that you need to prepare.
Defense Against Water Movement
Are you sure enough that the city where you live is free from the risk of flooding? Natural events cannot be predicted with certainty. This is why building a water-resistant house foundation is very important.
Especially when water has acidic characteristics that can damage materials such as iron. It is no wonder that the foundation of a container house is an important component to apply.
Extending the Life of the Building
An old building that is still standing strong today is a very interesting view to see. The key to its strength and beauty lies in the foundation that never shakes, providing the necessary protection and stability. Therefore, never underestimate the role of a strong foundation in maintaining the future of your extraordinary building.
Core Components of the Building
The importance of the foundation in the structure of a house cannot be ignored. The foundation is the most vital basic element in a building. If the construction of the foundation is ignored or its strength is not considered, then the life of the building will be limited.
Especially if the mathematical calculations are not accurate, all of this carries a serious risk that the building could collapse and suffer severe damage when used. Therefore, you need to get unmatched protection by prioritizing a reliable foundation for the future of your building.
How to Level Shipping Containers
Leveling shipping containers is an essential step if you plan to use them for storage, living space, or any other purpose. An uneven container can cause stress on the structure and make it less functional or comfortable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to level shipping containers:
Assess the Ground Surface
Check the ground where the container will sit. Make sure it is stable, solid, and level surface. If the ground is soft, lay gravel or a concrete foundation to prevent the container from sinking. Use a spirit level or laser level to check the ground for any major dips or inclines.
Prepare the Ground
Remove any debris, plants, or rocks that could interfere with the container’s placement. After that, if the ground is uneven, create a level base by removing high spots or filling in low spots with compacted gravel or dirt. For long-term use, a gravel base is a popular option because it drains water well and provides a stable surface for the container.
Place the Container
Position the shipping container on the leveled base. If you’re placing it on gravel, make sure it is in the center and has enough support at the corners and edges.
Check for Level
Use a spirit level to check each corner of the container. Place the level along the length and width of the container. The bubble should be centered. Then, adjust the container as needed by lifting it slightly or adjusting the support at the base.
Leveling with Shims or Blocks
If the container is slightly uneven, use shims, steel plates, or concrete blocks under the container’s corners to raise or lower them and achieve levelness. Ensure that you place the shims or blocks evenly to avoid tilting.
Check Again!
After adjustments, check the level once more in both directions. Reposition the blocks or shims if necessary.
Do We Need a Foundation for All Container Building Applications?
Since shipping container homes will not be moved often, they need to be built on a very stable platform. Over the years weather will take its toll on the ground and cause shifting, sinking, or sliding. Don’t take this chance with your storage container home, make sure you build a solid, durable platform.
However, retail businesses, restaurants, or studios that need frequent relocations with their clients don’t need to worry about building a platform foundation. Just make sure the ground is level and dry or that there is parking accessibility.
The same thing is also valid if you are using the container for temporary storage at a construction site. Be sure to check the ground frequently for sinking/sedimentation that could damage your equipment. You may want to consider putting down some gravel for some reinforcement if it will be on-site for an extended period.
Conclusion
Building the foundation of a building cannot be done carelessly, but must follow the conditions in the place where the building is built. By following the guidelines on how to level shipping containers above, you can effectively prep the ground for shipping container placement, ensuring a stable foundation and long-term usability.
After knowing how to level shipping containers, you might be interested in having a container house. If you need containers for your new house, you can buy one from Tradecorp. Tradecorp is a trusted container provider and modification company with years of experience. Many clients have entrusted their container and modification projects to us, and we have successfully handled them with satisfactory results.
Fulfill the needs of prefabricated buildings from Tradecorp. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!