Container Dome Shelter Foundation Footings and Pier Design

Container Dome Shelter Foundations, Footings and Pier Design.

Are substantial foundations required when building a Shipping Container Domes Shelter?

Investing in a shipping container dome shelter is a big step in the evolution of a business. Installing a large steel-frame shelter signifies business growth and expansion, therefore it makes sense to make sure the shelter lasts and lasts – no matter what kind of weather is thrown at it.

While the flexibility of relocatable shelters allows for easy repositioning, there are critical moments when their stability is paramount. Severe weather, especially in coastal areas of Australia where cyclonic weather events take place can pose serious risks to the stability of a shipping container shelter. To ensure safety and compliance with Australian standards, it’s vital to implement robust anchoring and fixing solutions to secure shipping containers to a wide range of foundations such as concrete slabs, footings, re-enforced piers.

Note: The above diagram acts as a guide only and is provided for informational purposes.

Types of Container Dome Shelter and Shelters on Post Foundations and Piers

Dome shelters mounted onto shipping containers or dome shelters on post sets and rails involve some form of anchoring method. These structures must withstand environmental conditions, especially in regions prone to high winds and extreme weather. The choice of foundation and anchoring method ensures safety and compliance with Australian standards.

Unpredictable weather conditions such as high winds, summer hailstorms, cyclones and driving rain driven by extreme high and low weather patterns can threaten the integrity of a steel-framed dome shelter.

Considerations before building a shipping container shelter.

1. Location: will the shelter be built in a high wind or in high elevation locations?
2. What type of shelter is it? Is it a shipping container set up, a post set and container setup or a standalone shelter and cover connected to steel posts and rails only?

There are various methods of securing container-mounted or post-mounted dome shelters  to the ground. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods for anchoring a container dome shelter:

1. Concrete Slab: A concrete slab under shipping containers offers a solid foundation. The containers can be secured to the concrete slab using brackets welded to the containers and Chemset (a multi-purpose, polyester adhesive for anchoring threaded studs and starter bars in solid materials) or bolted into to slab, ensuring they stay firmly in place. To ensure the container stays exactly where you need it, special ‘bolt-down’ brackets can slot into the corner casting blocks and be bolted to a concrete slab or even asphalt – securing the shipping container to the ground. This shipping container bolt down bracket is perfect for:
   • Cyclone or high-wind areas of Australia Regions C and D
   • Securing containers next to one another
   • Preventing any horizontal, longitudinal or ever vertical movement of the container
2. Concrete Footings: Ideal for larger shelters, concrete footings are a wise choice. They provide a sturdy foundation that can handle significant loads, especially when reinforced Reidbar is used.
3. Piers: Piers are a robust solution involving drilled holes into the earth then filling it with concrete and Rebar/mesh and long threaded bars which run the depth of the hole. These high-tensile, galvanised steel threaded rods can be terminated at the base with a T Bar for added strength. Using a template to accurately position the threaded bars into the bracket holes, line up the threaded rods to ensure perfect alignment when it comes to connect the brackets to the containers.
   
   Drawing showing a single row post set and container set up with round footing.
4. Piers for Post-Mounted Dome Shelters: Reinforced concrete piers are typically used as a foundation for dome shelters mounted on steel posts. Depending on the width, height of the shelter, shelter location and materials used in the dome shelter construction will determine the exact size of the footing. Post-mounted dome shelters can consist of a single shipping container and one post set, where the frame of the shelter is anchored to the top of the container and anchored either directly to the top plate on the post, or connected to an eaves rail which runs the entire length of the shelter. Depending on the size of shelter being built, the method of connecting a dome shelter frame to its frame foundation can be achieved using mechanical bots and clamps or by welding.

   The post-mounted shelter and its footings require its design to be engineered to meet the requirements specified by Australian Standards. A certified engineer must always sign off on any footing design before work begins. Typically a post set will be fabricated with a top and bottom plate. Depending on the dimensions of the shelter determines the design of the top and bottom plate. The bottom plate will be welded to the steel post and is supplied with pre-drilled holes to anchor the post to the concrete footing. Connecting the post to the footing is by means of either threaded Rebar cages and nuts or by Chemset anchoring bolts. There are many post designs and sizes of base plates to consider when using a post set and shipping container set up. Greater engineering detail is required when a double post set (freestanding) dome shelter is being constructed.

   

5. Slab and Piers Combination: For maximum stability (especially when building larger shelters), it’s worth considering a hybrid approach where a concrete slab is poured between the containers, supplemented by piers along the outer edges of the containers allowing a combination of deep anchoring points all around.
6. Ballast: If concrete foundations and piers are not an option, an internal solution using, ballast can be another solution. Although not as effective against strong winds as concrete footings, adding weight inside the containers can help – especially if the containers are not being used as a workshop or storage facility. The amount needed is calculated based on the shelter’s length, ensuring it remains stable even in high winds. Consult your local Council for recommendations.
7. External Ballast: This method involves placing large concrete blocks or other heavyweight objects next to the containers and connecting them to the top edge of the shipping container. There are a few different methods to connect the blocks to the containers. Consider steel tube, thick chains which can be either bracketed or welded to the container and the opposite end embedded deep within the anchoring object. This external anchoring system can be highly effective in stabilizing your shelter.

Key Considerations for Your Shelter Foundation

When determining which foundation type is best for your needs, keep these factors in mind:

1. Shelter Size: Larger structures may require more robust foundations. Always refer to a structural Engineer for guidance.
2. Intended Use: Consider what activities will take place within the shelter.
3. Type of Shelter: Different designs may necessitate bespoke anchoring solutions.
4. Relocatable vs. Permanent Needs: If you anticipate moving your shelter, opt for temporary foundations.
5. Soil or Surface Conditions: Assess the ground type where your shelter will be placed.
6. Wind Exposure Levels: Higher exposure may require stronger anchoring methods.

Links :

Shipping Container Dome Shelter Engineering – Quality Domes Direct

Galvanised Steel Shipping Container Dome Shelter Frames – Quality Domes Direct