Ground Preparation for your Shipping Container
April 30, 2020
Thinking about getting a shipping container for that extra space you need? Whether it's for a home office, a granny flat out the back, a secure workshop, or just a heap more storage, a container can be a top-notch solution. But like anything solid, it needs a good base to sit on. Neglecting this crucial first step can lead to all sorts of problems later on, affecting the container's stability and even its structural integrity. Just like a building, a large, heavy shipping container needs a proper foundation for both temporary and permanent usage. Getting this right from the start with these ground preparation tips can save you a stack of time and cash down the track.
Making Sure You've Got the Room for Easy Container Placement
It might seem obvious, but shipping containers are quite large, and there are a lot of things to prepare before the delivery of the container. Ensuring your chosen site provides sufficient space is crucial. Remember that the delivery truck will also need enough space to drive in and drop off the item. If the truck can’t get to your desired location, then you’re going to need some alternative delivery method.
Container placement itself is also an important consideration. Think about the intended orientation of the container – where will the doors face? Will they have enough clearance to open fully without obstruction? These are the types of factors to keep in mind when you're buying or hiring a storage container. Thoughtful placement will significantly enhance the accessibility and usability of your new storage space.
Get That Ground Level: Avoiding Future Wobbles and Headaches
You can usually tell if your patch is level just by looking, but grab a level checker tool to be sure. Any old bits of junk, rocks, or anything else sticking up should be cleared away. Anything that stops the ground from being flat needs to go. Even little dips and bumps can be a haven for bugs and might cause condensation underneath.
You might need to get some machinery in to sort this out. If you haven't got an excavator kicking around in the shed, you might need to hire one, but trust us, it'll be worth it in the long run. Prevention's always better than a cure.
Imagine you use your shipping container as an office that’s been placed on flat dirt. Enter stage left, heavy rains. All that water is likely to cause some of the soil to shift, and when this happens, your office will also move slightly, causing the entire office to be tilted.
If you're planning a permanent setup or will have the container there for a while, we think getting a shipping container foundation sorted before it arrives is a good idea. You've got a few options when it comes to foundations:
Concrete Slab Foundation: A Solid Base for the Long Haul
This involves getting a reinforced concrete slab laid down exactly where you want your container to be. This is the go-to for a permanent setup or a long-term temporary one, as it'll stop your container from sinking into the ground. A concrete slab provides an exceptionally level and stable surface, minimising the risk of any future shifting or unevenness of your container.
Blocks as Foundations: Keeping Things High and Dry for Temporary Use
More for when you need temporary storage, popping your container on shipping container blocks will lift it off the ground, helping it dodge the rain and any potential puddles. These container blocks come in various tough materials, such as steel, concrete, or treated timber.
Pile Foundation: The Answer for Soft or Sandy Ground
Pile foundations are generally beams of solid steel and are used when you plan to place the container on very soft, sandy areas. These robust beams are driven deep into the ground until they reach a more solid and firm layer, which will then become the base for a concrete slab. These are the ones you need when standard shipping container footings won't cut it.
In some applications, particularly with lighter loads or less challenging soil conditions, shipping container foundation blocks may be used in conjunction with or to support the steel beams, providing an additional level of stability and load distribution. This method will keep your container firm and strong, even if some soil or dirt erodes over time.
Ultimately, investing in proper ground preparation for your shipping container will save you considerable time and money in the long run. Taking the time to do your research and get it right from the outset will allow you to spend more time actually utilising your container. If you've got your land prepped but haven't got your hands on a container yet, Betta Storage offers Sydney shipping container sales. Our knowledgeable team is ready to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
