redeyedfly
REGISTERED
This isn't a building code issue until your jurisdiction's zoning and scoping laws say it is. I don't think anyone can answer your question via the building code, they need to know your local laws.
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Shipping Containers used as perm storage
- Thread starter Hook#3287
- Start date
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
Saw this in the backyard of our local building supply yard last week. The bad part is it is in my jurisdiction and I will have to deal with it.
The good part is you have all this discussion to guide you.
Are the containers the only support for the roof structure?
my250r11
REGISTERED
At least they used engineered truss instead of telephone poles. I tagged & they got an engineer involved & ended up with a steel structure supported on post not the container.
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
I have seen a dozen or so of these on farms and at active mines but this is the first one I get to deal with. Zoning will be okay with it but Architectural Review will have a lot to say I am sure.
My belief is they are "structures" as defined in the IBC "that which is built or constructed". They're built. They're constructed.
As structures, they should have been installed under a building permit, just as any pre-built shed over 200 sq ft.
Why would they not be required to be under permit? Because they are metal, not wood, or do not have a pitched roof?
That's actually a great storage building. If that was presented in a plan, I would require the containers be installed with frost protection and attachment. The trusses would need to be attached to the containers.
DJMenitoff
SAWHORSE
At least they leveled it
DJMenitoff
SAWHORSE
I have a similar situation. My clients want to use a shipping container for storage only, no occupancy at their existing store. Our zoning Code official reviewed it and approved the location but then said it will have to be reviewed for a permit. I agree with most here that it should be anchored to the gourd in some way especially if it will be connected to electrical service. How do I analyze the structure other than relying on the fact that these things are indestructible, clearly can take snow loads and wind loads, it's non combustible. I'd rather have my valuable stock locked in one of these then a wood shed.
I don't really want to spend my clients money to have an engineer do calcs. Does anyone know of any manufacturer providing structural calculations? I am going to research.
I don't really want to spend my clients money to have an engineer do calcs. Does anyone know of any manufacturer providing structural calculations? I am going to research.
steveray
SAWHORSE
"Accepted engineering practice"....
bill1952
SAWHORSE
Just require they meet the ISO standard. Foundation, energy, MEP, etc. is up to codes.
Here is a blog on one firms approach. At the bottom of this page is a link 'Dear Building Official letter" that gets to specifics of code acceptance.
www.structure1.com
Here is a blog on one firms approach. At the bottom of this page is a link 'Dear Building Official letter" that gets to specifics of code acceptance.
Designing a Shipping/Cargo Container Structure | PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Recent trends in “green” building pushed experts all around the world to discover new and improved building methods. A popular method introduced more heavily in the last 5-10 years has brought more attention than any alike; Shipping/Cargo container design. These containers are giving...
www.structure1.com
The "Dear Building Official" letter was is so riddled with grammatical and spelling errors that I have a hard time trusting the qualifications of the supposed engineer who prepared it. And then to throw it out into the public domain. Something seems off...Just require they meet the ISO standard. Foundation, energy, MEP, etc. is up to codes.
Here is a blog on one firms approach. At the bottom of this page is a link 'Dear Building Official letter" that gets to specifics of code acceptance.
Designing a Shipping/Cargo Container Structure | PSE Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Recent trends in “green” building pushed experts all around the world to discover new and improved building methods. A popular method introduced more heavily in the last 5-10 years has brought more attention than any alike; Shipping/Cargo container design. These containers are giving...
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
We just dealt with that engineering firm and the author/engineer of that letter. I would put his grammatical and spelling errors on the fact that English is his second or third language. I would not accept a generic letter like that for approval of any project
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
We just dealt with that engineering firm and the author/engineer of that letter. I would put his grammatical and spelling errors on the fact that English is his second or third language. I would not accept a generic letter like that for approval of any project
Who is he kidding? They are built in China for a one-way trip.
.
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– Steel
Containers are built out of high quality steel that was produced in a factory of highly qualified professionals such as metallurgists, engineers and technicians. Variation in steel yield and strength is very small due to the procedures and methods used in producing this fine material.bill1952
SAWHORSE
But would you accept the unit with certication it met the ISO standard?
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
If the unit is not modified and the ISO label is still on the unit then yes I would accept it as a storage unit.
Right now they are some at just about every box store filled with inventory getting ready for the Black Friday and other Holiday sales. Then again I might be wrong and they are empty because there is no room at the ports to return them to so they are just being stored there.
Right now they are some at just about every box store filled with inventory getting ready for the Black Friday and other Holiday sales. Then again I might be wrong and they are empty because there is no room at the ports to return them to so they are just being stored there.
bill1952
SAWHORSE
How does the new appendix 3 in the 2021 IBC affect this? Is that different than the 2019 guidelines my noted?
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
My understanding is Appendix 3 of the 2019 guidelines will be part of Chapter 31 of the 2021 IBC
I received a report from an applicant, produced by a Registered Licensed Professional.
In the report the Structural Engineer states that a 8x40x9.5 metal shipping container, either empty or not, does not require anchorage to meet with present building code pertaining to the wind, snow and seismic loads of the town.
He does not address the containers construction, which for storage, I've no concern with.
His report states the Design Criteria - Building Occupancy Category is I.
I've requested additional information of the use classification.
In the report the Structural Engineer states that a 8x40x9.5 metal shipping container, either empty or not, does not require anchorage to meet with present building code pertaining to the wind, snow and seismic loads of the town.
He does not address the containers construction, which for storage, I've no concern with.
His report states the Design Criteria - Building Occupancy Category is I.
I've requested additional information of the use classification.
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
I love an engineers report that does not properly identify a code section(s) that back up their reports and thus indicates their lack of knowledge or research done for their report.
The IBC has different design categories for wind, snow and seismic and there is not a "Building Occupancy Category" anywhere in the IBC.
However the IBC does have a Risk Category assigned to all structures and a "Nature of Occupancy", column within Table 1604.5 to determine if a higher design may be needed to protect the occupants within and/or the use of the structure. A Risk Category I represents a low hazard to human life within the structure not an exemption from the building codes for wind, snow or seismic.
RISK CATEGORY
NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
Risk category I
Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:
· Agricultural facilities.
· Certain temporary facilities.
· Minor storage facilities.
The IBC has different design categories for wind, snow and seismic and there is not a "Building Occupancy Category" anywhere in the IBC.
However the IBC does have a Risk Category assigned to all structures and a "Nature of Occupancy", column within Table 1604.5 to determine if a higher design may be needed to protect the occupants within and/or the use of the structure. A Risk Category I represents a low hazard to human life within the structure not an exemption from the building codes for wind, snow or seismic.
RISK CATEGORY
NATURE OF OCCUPANCY
Risk category I
Buildings and other structures that represent a low hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:
· Agricultural facilities.
· Certain temporary facilities.
· Minor storage facilities.
We store them and then sell them. Since they are not permanent constructions, property taxes really aren't affected (check your local laws). Insulation may not make it cool inside the storage container, it would just slow down the rate at which it heated up. It would be best if it were shaded beneath a roof, with vents along the bottom and top to allow hot air to escape and cold air to enter. Perhaps a coat of reflective paint would suffice.
