Because of the standardised shape and size of containers they can easily be placed above and next to each other and are able to connect via the corners with the addition of some extra security devices.
Stacking your containers means that you can double or even triple your storage capacity whilst using the same building footprint, improving the efficiency of your land by utilising all the available space. Bespoke offices, shops and restaurants can all be created by merging multiple containers, our own examples of which include STACK Newcastle, STACK Seaburn and our previous modular office.
How high can shipping containers be stacked?
There is no legal limit on the number of containers that can be stacked on land, but it goes without saying that reasonable caution should always be exercised whilst planning and actioning your stacking venture.
Although there is no height restriction, there is however a maximum bearing load, which can be found on the CSC plate of the container. This displays the total weight that the container can withstand and must be followed.
Here at Cleveland Containers, we stack the containers at our depots no more than 5-high. These will also be stacked incrementally higher in rows, so the first row will be 3-high, followed by 4-high and then finally 5-high. This makes the container towers more stable in bad weather as the higher stacks are less likely to topple over in the wind because of the surrounding protection.
How are shipping containers stacked safely?
First thing’s first, you need to make sure the containers are free from any significant bumps or dents that could impact the structural integrity of the entire stack. Even if the CSC plate says otherwise, older containers with signs of damage may no longer have the strength or durability to withstand stacking. New (one trip) and wind and watertight units should be fine to use if they have been checked over beforehand.
When it comes to stacking them, like-sized containers need to be positioned corner-post to corner-post. Weight is distributed on these four points, which is why the posts are slightly taller than the roof of the container and come down slightly further than the floor of the container.
For example, if you had one 40ft container and two 20ft containers, you would need to place the 40ft on top as all four corner posts can be set on the posts underneath. You shouldn’t stack the 20ft containers on top as there would be no support for the posts in the middle and they could potentially fall through the roof of the container below. Bear this in mind if you are considering stacking units of differing lengths. It would also be dangerous to stack three or more containers by themselves as this would be a tall, narrow structure with a large flat area to catch wind and potentially fall.
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One way that containers can be stacked is by using a forklift truck to move and situate them. It is vital that the forklift is navigated by a fully trained and certified operator. To further minimise the risks, everyone on site must stay clear of the area and take extra care and precaution whilst containers are being manoeuvred. A crane can also be used as an alternate method to place the containers, especially if forklifts are unable to reach the top.
It’s important to remember that containers should only be stacked on flat, solid ground, as a strong and stable foundation is needed to ensure they won’t sink or topple.
How do you secure shipping container stacks?
There are a few simple and affordable accessories that can be installed to securely connect containers in place.
To fix the containers vertically you can use a device called a twist lock. These can be inserted into the corner castings of the top and bottom containers and rotated by 90 degrees to lock the units together.
Bridge fittings are similar and clamp containers that are next to each other horizontally through the corner castings.
How high would you suggest stacking containers if they are forming a permanent structure?
When it comes to bespoke builds intended for living, recreational, and working purposes, we would suggest going no more than two units high.
Two is likely to be a safe amount however the containers are arranged. Going three or more high will require significantly more modification work to make the final build structurally safe, and more extensive administrative tasks such as planning permission applications will need to be undertaken.
You should now have a better understanding of how to stack shipping containers safely and securely, but if you have any further questions about container stacking, contact us today for more information.
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While traveling at sea, it's possible to stack containers around nine units high. For modified structures, it all depends on the building. If you're hoping to create an on-site office space, stacking containers two or three units high is probably best for safety.
Some large container ships can carry containers stacked up to nine high (9 x 20ft standard containers (20TEU) loaded to max capacity equals a massive 274 tonnes per stack!), whereas some smaller vessels don't allow stacking at all.
Additionally, a common mistake people make is cutting too much steel from their shipping containers. A key feature of shipping containers is that they are incredibly strong. In fact, they can be stacked up to eight containers high when they are fully loaded!
If you are stacking 2x20' containers and 1x40' container, be sure that the 20's are on the bottom so all four corner-posts of the 40' container have corner-posts to set on. If you do the reverse, the 20' corner-posts will not have proper support and the 20's could fall through the roof of the 40'.
Container stacking depends on the weight of the container and its contents. It also depends on the container structure, manufacturing quality, and strength. In general, you can stack up to nine containers on top of each other.
Containers are generally 7-high max for 40' loaded and sometimes up to 9-high for 20' loaded. Empties can go higher but are more likely to be toppled in high wind. Most containers are 40', so most container handling equipment tops out at 7-high stacks (or lower).
Stacking boxes is akin to any other modular systems that allow you to utilise space effectively. You can place them next to each other or on top of each other, with the stacking of nine units being the advised upper limit.
Can two shipping containers be stacked on top of each other to create a comfortable living space? Yes, but you have to secure it in place by a locking system and create a strong foundation as the base, so in case there is strong wind it won't topple over.
Depending on the size and use of your site, you may need your storage containers or site offices to be double stacked. Many of the hi-ab vehicles that we work with have the ability to double stack but some may not so it is crucial that we are informed at the time of your enquiry if stacking will be required.
Shipping containers are extremely strong since they are built out of solid steel. The walls can certainly be load-bearing if you want to add a second story or build a separate roof structure.
Yes – in the majority of cases, shipping container planning permission won't be required. But there are many circ*mstances in which it will be – and before you go ahead with the project, you'll need to apply to your local authority in the same way you would with a traditional building.
Up to 21.85 tons of cargo can be loaded on a 20′ container that offers only 33.50 m³ of cargo space. a 40′ container can pack up to 2.53 m³ of cargo for every ton of weight. Only 26.76 tons of cargo can be loaded on a 40′ container that offers up to 67.70 m³ of cargo space.
You can do this by using welding or bolting techniques. Welding provides a strong and permanent connection, but it requires the help of a professional welder. Bolting is a more DIY-friendly option. Use heavy-duty bolts and nuts to secure the containers together.
All sea containers are considered to be sufficient structurally, subject to them being adequately tied down or fixed. As such, a Structural Engineer's design for the tie down of the sea container is required to be provided in support of any application.
One of the many reasons shipping containers are reused is because they are durable and have a great life expectancy. Generally, shipping containers can be used for about 15 years and many times longer.
Less material is needed as you only need to build support for the four corners of the container, however supporting the middle points on the long side of the container can provide extra stability.
High-Cube Containers. High-cube shipping containers are the ideal solution for the storage or shipping of materials requiring increased cubic capacity. In contrast to our standard 8-foot-6-inch container height, high-cube shipping containers are 9 feet 6 inches tall.
Shipping containers and storage containers can come in a range of sizes, 20ft and 40ft shipping containers are the most common container lengths (externally) and 8ft in width as standard. Commonly the height of a container will be 8ft 6” and a high cube will have an additional foot to be 9ft 6”.
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