Dissertation NVN

MCAP 2020
SHIPPING CONTAINER ACTING AS BUILDING MATERIAL

FOR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
EIGHTH SEMESTER
B ARCH DISSERTATION
MAY 2020
Submitted by
Mr.NEVIN GLADSON
Marian College of Architecture and Planning

Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram
Email:marianarch.in@gmail.com Mob: 8281388111
www.mcap.edu.in
MCAP 2020
SHIPPING CONTAINER ACTING AS BUILDING MATERIAL

FOR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
EIGHTH SEMESTER
B. ARCH DISSERTATION
MAY 2020
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture of Cochin University of
Science and Technology
Submitted by
Mr.NEVIN GLADSON
Guided by
Ar. ANUPRIYA
Marian College of Architecture and Planning

Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram
Email:marianarch.in@gmail.com Mob: 8281388111
www.mcap.edu.in
MCAP 2020
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the Dissertation entitled “Shipping container acting as a building material for
commercial construction” is an independent work of mine and it has not been submitted to anywhere else
for any Degree / Diploma or Title. No material from other sources has been used without proper
acknowledgment.
Signature of the student
Place: Thiruvananthapuram
Date: / /2020
2
MCAP 2020
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that this Dissertation entitled “ SHIPPING CONTAINER ACTING AS BUILDING
MATERIAL FOR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION” is a bonafide record of the dissertation
submitted by ASAD under our guidance towards partial fulfillment if the requirements for the award of
Bachelors Degree in Architecture of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)
during the year 2019-20
Guide: …………………………
ASAD
Associate/Assistant Professor
Dissertation Coordinator ….……………
ASAD
Associate/Assistant Professor
………………………. …………………… …………………

HOD Principal Director
Ar. Ganga Krishnan Ar. Dileep C Kumar Prof. Baby Paul K
1. External Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……

Name ………………………………………………………..
Designation………………………………………………….
2. Internal Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……

Name ………………………………………………………..
Designation………………………………………………….
3. Internal Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……..

Name ……………………………………………………….…
Designation……………………………………………………
3
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher Ar. Anupriya as well as our
principal Ar. Dileep.C.Kumar who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project
on the topic SHIPPING CONTAINER ACTING AS BUILDING MATERIAL FOR COMMERCIAL
CONSTRUCTION, which also helped me in doing a lot of Research and i came to know about so
many
NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 4

MCAP 2020
CONTENTS
DECLARATION........................................…………………..............................................…....................I
CERTIFICATE................................................………………...................................................................II
AKNOWLEDGEMENT...................................………………................................................................III
ABSTRACT......................................................………………....................................….................…....IV
CONTENT.........................…......................………………….....................................…..........................V
LIST OF FIGURE………………….…………………………………………………………………....VI
LIST OF TABLE………………………………………...……………………………………………..VII
CHAPTER:1.............……...................................................................................................……………..08
INTRODUCTION..…………..…....…..............................................................................………….........09
AIM........……………….....……....…......................................................................……………...............10
OBJECTIVE......….…………….....…...........................................................................………….............10
RATIONALE....………...…….…...…............................................................................……………........10
SCOPE...………………..……......…..............................................................................………………....10
LIMITATION...……………..……..........….......................................................................…………........10
RESEARCH QUESTION……..……….…..…..................................................................………….........10
METHODOLOGY……………..……..........…...............................................................………….….......11
CHAPTER:2..…..........……..............................................................................................…………….....12
THEORETICAL STUDY...……................…..........................................................................………….. 13
TYPES OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS.……….….………………..........…...........................…………..13
ADVANTAGES........………………….............…............................................................….…………....21
DISADVANTAGES..…...……...……………..........…....................................................…..…………....22
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS….......…...………………..........…........................………...................18
NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS…….......………………..........…...........……….......………......20
INSULATION....……………………..………..…………………......……...........……….….….….........23
FOUNDATION....…………………..…………..…………………......……...........…………..….……...26
BUILDING CONNECTION....……..………………………..…………………......…………….…........29
ROOFING STYLE.……………..………………..…………………....……………..…….………....…..31
CHAPTER:3.....................…….........................................................................................……………....32
LITERATURE CASE STUDY.……..……………………………………………………………..…..…33
PUMA CITY……..…………..…………………..…………………....……………..…….………...…...33
DABBA MANE……………..……………………………………………………………………..….….35
INFERENCE ………………..……………………...……..……………………………………………...36
CHAPTER:4...........…….................................................................................................…………….......37
LIVE CASE STUDY……….……………………………………………………………………………..38

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PANKAYAM RESTAURANT…….……………………………………………………………………..38
INFERENCE …………………………………...……..…………………………………………………..38
CHAPTER:5...................................................................................…....................……………......…..…40
CONCLUSION …………………………………...……………………………………….…….……..…41
BIBILOGRAPHY...........................................................................................…………...…...............….42

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 : Dry Cargo Shipping Container……………………………………………………...…………16
Figure 2 : Open Top Container……………………………………………………...……………………16
Figure 3 : Closed Ventilated Container……………………………..……………………………………17
Figure 4 : Thermal container…………………………………………………..…………………………17
Figure 5 : 40’ High Cube Container……………………………………………………..……………..…18
Figure 6 : Primary Structural Components of a typical 20' ISO Shipping Container……………………19
Figure 7 : Non structural components………………………………………………….....………………20
Figure 8 : Spray Foaming…………………………………………………………………….………..…24
Figure 9 : Insulated panel……………………………………………………………..…………………..24
Figure 10 : Fiber glass…………………………………………………………………..………….……..25
Figure 11 : Non fiberglass batts……………………………………………………..……………….……25
Figure 12 : Thermafiber…………………………………………………………………….……………..26
Figure 13 : Cargo container home using precast pile foundation …………..……………………...……..26
Figure 14: Cargo container home secured with original corner fitting……..………………………...…..27
Figure 15: Methods of Arrangements of containers…………………………..………………….……….29
Figure 16: Puma store………………………………………………………….……..…………………..32
Figure 17: Puma store construction…………………………………………………..………………...…33
Figure 18: Inda’s First Container home…………………………………………………..…………...…..34
Figure 19: Pankayam Restaurant, Palayam……………………………………………..…………………38

MCAP 2020
LIST OF FIGURES
Table 1 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container…………………..………………………………15
Table 2 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container………………..…………………………………15
Table 3 : Inference……………………….……………………………..…………………………..……35

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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

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CHAPTER 1- GENERAL INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
A shipping container is steel frame-usually cuboid, with a suitable strength to support large cargo
transits and stowage. There are various types of containers, varying from refillable to universally
standardized. For a global trade, the term container is directly associated to a shipping container
which can be loaded onto a great number of transportation options without requiring unpacking
of its contents.
Shipping Container Architecture could be defined as that type of architecture that is generally
characterized by the re-use of steel shipping containers as a structural element and architectural-
envelope that can host a specific function or a human activity. Often, this type of architecture is
termed as “cargotecture” or “arkitainer”, a portmanteau of cargo and architecture. The
application of container architecture has greatly expanded in the recent times, an advent of their
strong plating, inexpensiveness and widespread availability.
HISTORY OF SHIPPING CONTAINER

The shipping container has only been around for the last five decades. The advent of this method
of modular standard containerization of goods revolutionized the transportation of goods. The
development of the — shipping containers is credited to Malcolm McLean.
He patented a container with reinforced corner posts that could be craned off a truck chassis and
had integral strength for stacking. McLean was so confident in the a potential of this modular
cargo he took a loan for $42m and purchased the Pan- Atlantic Steamship Company with
docking rights so that he could modify cargo ships to use his new containers. He focused on
redeveloping the shipping firm and renamed it Sea-Land.
Every nook and corner of a street we find commercial buildings. Its construction process
can use a lot of building material, manpower in construction and its time consuming. Also
commercial buildings are very dynamic in nature that is the purpose of the commercial
area can change over every few years.
A much more sustainable cost-effective and time saving method of construction is a newer
trend of container building.

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I. AIM
To analyze how shipping containers can act as building material for commercial
construction and to standardize its usage in the design making process.
II. OBJECTIVE
 To understand the possibilities of shipping container commercial buildings in global and
local context.
 To study how shipping containers can be an effective alternative to the stereotyped
construction techniques and materials for a commercial building
 To understand how the usage of this material can be standardized for design making
process.
III. RATIONALE
Shipping containers recycling is one of the effective methods of sustainable approach to
material selection. Commercial projects are booming nowadays and demands for
construction materials rises. But, at the same time, commercial buildings are dynamic
according to its changing usage. Usage of shipping containers in commercial construction
can be an effective approach to these issues. Also, dispensation of design approaches can be
also done for commercial building making
IV. SCOPE
Can give an idea about how shipping containers can be effectively utilized for commercial
projects with standardized guidelines
V. LIMITATIONS
The design making of shipping containers in commercial buildings can be a vast topic. But
for the purpose of study a basic understanding of the same can be analyzed.
VI. REASEARCH QUESTIONS
 How can shipping containers act as an effective solution to the current commercial
booming in the society?
 How can shipping containers be effective solution to the current materials that are being
used for commercial purposes?
 How can shipping containers can be standardized for the purpose of placing in a plot,
interior designing, utility etc.?

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METHODOLOGY
Identification of Topic
Analysis of Topic
Theoretical Study Literature Study Case Study
Inference
Conclusion
NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING | 12

MCAP 2020
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL STUDIES

MCAP 2020
Types of shipping
containers
General purpose Specific purpose

containers containers
Dry cargo containers
Open top containers
Closed ventilated containers
Thermal containers
High cube containers
CHAPTER 2-THEORETICAL STUDIES

2.1 TYPES OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS
Shipping container types can be classified according to the intended purpose of the container.
Whether new or second-hand (see used shipping containers), they fall into one of two convenient
categories:
 General cargo container
 Specific purpose container

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GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINERS

Standard containers are known as general purpose containers. They are closed containers on all
sides. A distinction may be drawn between the following types of standard container:
 Standard containers with doors at one or both end
 Standard containers with doors at one or both end and doors over the entire length of one
or both sides
 Standard containers with doors at one or both end and doors on one or both sides
Corrugated Steel Sheet

Characteristics:
 low material costs
 challenging to clean because of corrugated walls
 easy repairing
 high kerb weight
 subjected to corrosion
Aluminium Sheet in Conjunction with Stiffening Profiles

Characteristics:
 High material costs
 low kerb weight
 easily deformed, very quickly dented
Plywood with glass fibre- reinforced plastic coating

Characteristics:
 Easy to clean owing to smooth surfaces
 Strong & resilient
 easy repairing
 moderate kerb weight
 moderate material cost

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Table 1 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container
Table 2 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container
TYPES OF GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINERS

Dry Cargo Shipping Containers
These are the steel containers that are visible in virtually every seaport around the world. They
are fully enclosed with strong, rigid walls, a roof and floor and all resistant to the elements as
well as : animals, birds and vermin.
One of the walls is usually adapted to create an aperture for a door opening.
End loaders have a door at one of the ends on the shortest side, while some containers are fitted
with side wall doors for convenient “side loading”. 20' shipping containers and their 40 foot
equivalents are the most common lengths while the standard which is 8 feet.

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Figure 1 : Dry Cargo Shipping Container
In general, architects working on container house plans tend towards used dry cargo containers
in their specifications as they easily stack and align perfectly with the next, in turn permitting
easier conversion as well as structures with more than one level.
OPEN TOP CONTAINERS

Open top. shipping containers have similar characteristics to dry cargo containers except that a
canvas or reinforced cover is used to protect the cargo from top. Such containers are used for
heavy, bulky or fragile items and machinery.
Figure 2 : Open Top Container
CLOSED VENTILATED CONTAINERS

Where goods need to be protected against excess moisture or humidity, such special ventilation-
adapted containers are used.

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Figure 3 : Closed Ventilated Container
THERMAL CONTAINERS OR “REEFERS”

Thermal containers are known in the industry as reefers. They are characterized by interior
insulation on the doers, roof, floor and walls. Used for prolonging the shelf-life of food items and
perishables, thermal reefers help to restrict the temperature range inside the containers.
Reefers are commonly found in 20 foot and 40 foot shipping container sizes and are further
classified as follows:
 Insulated Shipping Containers
 Refrigerated Shipping Containers
 Mechanically Refrigerated Containers
 Heated Containers
Figure 4 : Thermal container

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HIGH CUBE SHIPPING CONTAINERS

High-cube containers are similar in structure to standard containers, but taller. In contrast to
standard containers, which have a maximum height of 2591 mm, high-cube containers are 2896
mm tall.
Figure 5 : 40’ High Cube Container
PRIMARY STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF A TYPICAL 20° ISO

SHIPPING CONTAINER
Corner Fitting: Internationally standard fitting (casting) located at the eight corners of the
container structure to provide means of handling, stacking and securing containers.
Corner Post: Vertical structural member located at the four corners of the container and to
which the corner fittings are joined.
Door Header: Lateral structural member situated over the door opening and joined to the corner
fittings in the door end frame.
Door Sill: Lateral structural member at the bottom of the door opening and joined to the comer
fittings in the door end frame.
Rear End Frame: The structural assembly at the rear (door end) of the container consisting of
the door sill and header joined at the rear corner fittings to the rear corner posts to form the door
opening.

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Figure 6 : Primary Structural Components of a typical 20' ISO Shipping Container
Top End Rail: Lateral structural member situated at the top edge of the front end (opposite the
door end) of the container and joined to the comer fittings.
Bottom End Rail: Lateral structural member situated at the bottom edge of the front end
(opposite the door end) of the container and joined to the corner fittings.
Front End Frame: The structural assembly at the front end (opposite the door end) of the
container consisting of top and bottom end rails joined at the front corner fittings to the front
corner posts.
Top Side Rail: Longitudinal structural member situated at the top edge of each side of the
container and joined to the corner fittings of the end frames.
Bottom Side Rail: Longitudinal structural member situated at the bottom edge of each side of
the container and joined to the corner fittings to form a part of the understructure.
Cross Member: Lateral! structural member attached to the bottom side rails that supports the
flooring.
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NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS OF A TYPICAL 20' ISO SHIPPING

CONTAINER
Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood (FRP): A material constructed of laminates of fiberglass,
polyester resins, and plywood, also known as sandwich panel.
Wall Pane: Corrugated or flat sheet steel, a riveted or bonded aluminum sheet and wall post
assembly, FRP, foam and beam, aluminum, or honeycomb material that forms the side wall or
end wall.
Wall Post: Interior or exterior intermediate vertical component to which sheet aluminum or
steel is riveted or welded to form a wall panel.
Wall Beam: Encapsulated vertical component to which sheet aluminum or steel is bonded to
form a wall panel. This is found in foam and beam panels.
Figure 7 : Non structural components
Ventilator: Two or more devices permanently attached to the side or end wall panel that
provides openings for the exchange of air (but not water) between the outside and the container
interior.

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Roof Panel: Corrugated or flat sheet steel, sheet aluminum, FRP, or foam and beam and
aluminum honeycomb panel that forms the top closure of the container.
Roof Bow: Lateral non-structural member attached to the top side rails and supporting the
underside of the roof panel. Roof bows used with removable cover (tarp) assembly are
unattached, Not all container designs require roof bows.
Roof Beam: Encapsulated horizontal component to which sheet aluminum or steel is bonded to
form a roof panel.
Roof Reinforcement Plate: An additional metal plate on the interior or exterior of the roof
panel adjacent to the top corner fittings that provides protection of the roof panel or top rail
components from misaligned handling equipment.
Flooring: Material that is supported by the cross members and bottom rails to form a load
bearing surface for the cargo. The flooring is Usually constructed of laminated wood planks,
plywood sheets, or other composition material and is screwed or bolted to the cross members.
Some containers have welded steel or aluminum flooring, sandwich panels or a combination of
metal and wood,
ADVANTAGES
Scope for Customization
Shipping containers can be easily modified to fit any purpose due to their shape and material.
Durability
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in high columns, carrying heavy loads and also to
resist harsh environments. Due to their high strength, shipping containers are usually the last to
fall in extreme weather, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis.
Low Structural Cost - High Strength

Shipping containers offer a huge structural strength for a fraction of the cost of traditional
constructions. Because the strength is contained in the structural elements, the foundation design
is simpler and less expensive.
Modular Nature
All shipping containers provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures.
This simplifies design, planning and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease
of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them.
Labor
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor and can increase
construction expenses, yet overall it is still lower than conventional construction.

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Transport
As they already conform to standard shipping sizes, pre-fabricated modules can be easily
transported by ship, truck, or rail.
Availability
Owing of their wide-spread use, new and used shipping containers are omnipresent across the
planet.
Expense
Containers are available at an amount that is low compared to a finished structure built by other
labor-intensive traditional construction techniques- which also require larger more expensive
foundations.
Eco-friendly
When up-cycling shipping containers, thousands of kilograms of steel are saved. In addition
when building with containers, the amount of traditional building materials needed are reduced.
Small Footprint - Large Living Area

This construction technique is ideal for multi-storey dwellings or office space, offering a large
usable area in a small footprint.
Off Site Construction

ISBU units can be built off-site and then delivered to the site.
Construction Time
Once the plan is designed, the containers are prepared and fitted out at the workshop.
Construction time on-site can be as little as 7 days to fully weather-proofed condition.
Unlimited Potential for Difficult Sites

The structural strength can be used to overcome design problems posed by difficult sites, as all
the services are pre-installed into the containers and the foundation demands of these turnkey
units is very minimal.
DISADVANTAGES
Temperature
Steel conducts heat very well; containers used for human occupancy in an environment with
extreme temperature variations will normally have to be better insulated than most traditional
structures.
Lack of flexibility
Creating spaces using containers (either 20 or 40 feet) is rigid and time consuming. The 40 feet
containers can be difficult to maneuver in some residential areas.
Humidity
In temperate climates, moist interior air condenses against the steel, making it damp. Rust will
form unless the steel is well sealed and insulated.

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Construction site
Containers in most cases are required to be placed by a crane or forklift, as an advent of their size
& weight. So guiding them across the site is a tedious process.
Building Permits
Since the use of steel for construction is not widely used for residential structures, obtaining
building permits may be troublesome in some regions due to the local regulatory bodies not
having seen such applications before.
Treatment of timber floors

Most container floors when manufactured are treated with insecticides containing copper (23
25%), chromium (38-45%) and arsenic (30-37%) to meet quarantine requirements of certain
nations. So before human habitation, floors should be removed & safely disposed. Units with
steel floors would be preferable.
Cargo spillages
Spillages or contamination occurred on the inside surfaces of a container and need to be cleaned
before habitation. If possible, all interior surfaces should be abrasive blasted to bare metal, and
re-painted with a nontoxic paints.
Solvents
Solvents released from paint and sealants used in manufacture might be harmful.
Damage
While in service, containers get damaged by friction, handling collisions, and force of heavy
loads overhead during ship transits. Cracked welds, twisted frames or pin holes if found, must be
seamlessly repaired if possible. If not, such containers must be discarded to find a better one.
Roof weaknesses
The vertical two ends of a container are strong, but the roof is not designed for bearing much
load. So, limit of 300 kg is recommended considering the safety of the interiors.
BUILDING ENVELOPE — INSULATION

Insulation is primarily required to slow down that transfer of heat across a membrane. The choice
of insulation is therefore a critical decision if it is to be made habitable for human
accommodation. In addition to R-value, the materials’ relationship with the rest of the building
envelope is also a matter of consideration.
Spray Foam:
Foam-in-place technology is playing an increasingly important role in establishing a tight
building envelope. Historically, most of these products utilized high-density, closed- cell
polyurethanes, which involved exposure fo potentially hazardous chemicals during application.
These days, they usually flash their VOCs quickly and become fairly safe after a short time.
Closed-cell foams are very effective at managing air leakage and can have high R-values of up to
7 per inch.

MCAP 2020
Figure 8 : Spray Foaming
Structural Insulated Panels:

Typically constructed OSB (Oriented Strand Board) - sandwiching a foam core are an alternative
to installing traditional insulation, the Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Professionals appreciate
the ease with which they can be assembled and the improved performance they provide.
Figure 9 : Insulated panel
Fiberglass
All-pervasive and economically reasonable, fiberglass represents the largest share of the
insulation material market. It's available in loose form for blown-in installation and in blankets,
rolls, and batts for compression installation.

MCAP 2020
Figure 10 : Fiber glass
Non-Fiberglass Batts
Non-fiberglass batts can be made of cotton, sheep's wool, or mineral (rock or slag) wool. All of
the alternative batt insulation products are made almost entirely from recycled or renewable
materials. They offer similar thermal performance as fiberglass but at a slight cost premium.
Figure 11 : Non fiberglass batts
Thermafiber
Thermafiber mineral wool insulation is made with up to 90% post-industrial recycled content.
Thermafiber can provide high sound-transmission coefficients that improve indoor
environmental quality. The product offers fire resistance of more than 2,000 degrees F for more
than five hours.

MCAP 2020
Figure 12 : Thermafiber
Insulative Paints
A broad spectrum thermally reflective coating is applied to block heat radiation in a much
broader range of heat to dissipate it rapidly. This type of coat reduces heat transfer through the
coating- with 90% of solar infrared radiation and 85% of ultraviolet radiation being radiated back
from the coating.
FOUNDATION
There seem to be three major methodologies in regards to a foundation systems for any building
structure- deep basement, crawl space, and slab-on-grade.
Most cargo container homes utilize either a slab-on-grade foundation or a concrete pile
foundation. As the cargo containers are inter-modal containers, Deep Basement basement would
not be practical. A home utilizing a slab-on-grade foundation system would lay a foundation &
set the cargo containers on top of the foundation. The modular units are placed on the floor slab
& secured with bolts or fixtures set in the concrete slab itself. This system offers a solid platform
that will easily support a cargo container home.
Figure 13 : Cargo container home using precast pile foundation

MCAP 2020
An alternative to the slab-on-grade foundation is a deep foundation system. Two common types
of deep foundations are a pile system & drilled pier system. A pile is typically a precast concrete
cylinder that is driven into the ground, while a pier is cast on site in a drilled well. Precast pile
have a better solution over drilled piers in case of cargo container homes.
This foundation system is also called a raised foundation that is created by using precast piles.
The home is clearly supported only by precast piles.
Most of the foundation types & construction systems described can be designed to meet
necessary requirements. Factors affecting the choice of foundation type and construction system
are:
 Site conditions
 Overall building design
 Climate
 Local market preferences
 Construction costs
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
The container's steel strength is dependent on the entire steel frame/supporting walls intact.
Many cargo container home designs require the removal of sidewalls, which has an effect on the
strength & safety of the containers. Containers with walls removed therefore yield before the
required capacity specified in ISO standards. When subjected to vertical loads, the roof had little
structural significance and the end walls are the strongest load resistive components.
Vertical connection is relatively simple, due to the nature of the container. Every container is
designed with a fitting on each corner. Those same corner connections prove essential in
multistory cargo container homes and can be used to secure the modular units together. This
methodology is applicable when the containers are oriented in similar directions. Securing the
containers to the foundation is often successfully done by welding the containers to steel brackets
cast in the foundation to provide a solid base for the home.
Figure 14: Cargo container home secured with original corner fitting

MCAP 2020
Container Building Arrangements
When stacking on the foundations, all the containers need to be connected to each other or fixed
to the foundation. Now, owing to a lack of standards, the connection method must be developed
individually according to each project. Roughly, the connection has two ways: one is the
permanent welding connection, while the other one is the temporary joint anchor bolt connection.
For connection to the foundation, the container is usually welded to an additional steel base plate.
The latter is characterized by reinforcing bars on the underside that are generally inserted into the
wet concrete foundations. After hardening of the concrete, the steel base mat first and the
container afterwards are anchored to the foundations. For connection with other containers, there
are normally two methods. Temporary anchor bolt connections are generally composed of holes
in the lower and upper corners, which can be locked together. In this way, twist and latch locks
are the two main possibilities to fix the containers during the stacking. These connections can
take the horizontal and vertical loads from the shipping operations. For housing constructions,
this joint can be sufficient depending on their use. Particularly with unusual stacking
constructions, it is suggested to design other adaptations for the joints.

MCAP 2020
Figure 15: Methods of connections

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Different Roof Styles
Shed
A shed style roof, shown below, is essentially a sloped roof. The advantages of using a shed style
roof are that it is extremely cheap and very simple to build. A roof like this can be made and
installed in a couple of days. The long, sloping roof also lends itself well to solar panels.
Gable
Next option is to use a gable styled roof as shown below. A gable styled roof is what most people
imagine when they think of a traditional home. It has the distinguishing triangle look. The
advantage of using a gable roof is that it has a sloped roof which provides great water drainage.
This makes it less likely to leak and helps extend the lifespan of your roof. It is popular because
it also provides more ceiling space than other roof styles.

MCAP 2020
CHAPTER III
LITERATURE CASESTUDY

MCAP 2020
I. LITERATURE STUDY
PUMA CITY- POP UP PUMA STORE

ARCHITECT: LOT-EK
CLIENT: PUMA
PROJECT TYPE: MIXED USE
ACTIVITIES: EVENT PLACE, RETAIL,
OFFICE, LEISURE/BAR
SIZE: 11000 SQ.FT
NO. OF CONTAINERS : 24
CONTAINER SIZE USED: 40’
CONTAINERS
Figure 16: Puma store
Puma city is conceived as a three level stack of containers, shifted to create internal outdoor
spaces, large over -hangings and terraces.
The stack is branded with the super graphic logo of the company.
The plug-in electrical / HVAC system and ease of assembly allow the structure to responds to
climate change.
Two full retail spaces on the lower levels, both designed with large double height ceilings and 4-
container wide open spaces.
The second level houses offices, press area and storage. A bar, lounge and event space with a
large terrace is placed at the topper level.
The building uses 24 numbers of 40-foot containers as well as a number of existing containers
connected to join and secure containers both horizontally and vertically.
Each module has been designed to ship as a conventional cargo container through a system of
structural covering panels. They fully seals all of its large openings and can be removed on site
to re-connect the large, open interior spaces. Its has been assembled and disassembled a number
of times over various parts.

MCAP 2020
INFERENCES
 Spaces can be created by stack-shifting the containers which can be used as additional
spaces.
 Thermal comfort inside the containers need to be achieved by combining natural &
mechanical means and is important for human habitation.
 Containers can be put up anywhere if it can be transported & hence presents a sustainable
and economical choice towards tackling housing shortages.
Figure 17: Puma store construction

MCAP 2020
DABBA MANE- INDIA’S FIRST

CONTAINER HOME
LOCATION: Ramamurthy nagar, Banglore
AREA: 960 sq.ft
CONTAINER SIZE USED: 20’*8’*6”
NO. OF CONTAINERS USED: 4
COST: 10 LAKHS
ANALYSIS
The entire container home complex consists of four containers.
Two of them are used as office space and bachelor pad. The
space between is used as a garage.
Two used shipping containers were placed in an L- shape configuration to promote cross
ventilation. One container became the kitchen. The other became a duplex bedroom attached
with a bathroom.
The house also includes a wall made of glass beer bottles.
DESIGN FEATURES
 The N-S orientation of the building helps in the natural ventilation of the dwelling.
 The glass bottle filling wall in the living room provides indirect lighting inside.
 No raised foundation has given to the containers at the ground floor, as it depends on the
soil bearing capacity.
INFERENCE
 Proper insulation is necessary in maintaining thermal comfort indoor and life of the boxes.
 Gypsum board, fiberglass, glass wool can be used for insulation and economical purposes.
 The containers must be laid in such a pattern that the passive spaces created can also be
used effectively with minimum alteration.

MCAP 2020
Figure 18: Inda’s First Container home
Table 3 : Inference

MCAP 2020
CHAPTER IV
LIVE CASESTUDY

MCAP 2020
LIVE CASESTUDY
LOCATION: PALAYAM, TRIVANDRUM

TYPE OF BUILDING: COMMERCIAL
USE OF BUILDING: RESTAURANT
NAME OF BUILDING/ RESTAURANT:
PANKAYAM
ANALYSIS
 The entire ground floor is made of conventional construction materials like cement, RCC,
brick etc. Facade treatment is done using parts of container material. This includes the
restaurant’s door, partition walls and facade walls.
 The first floor is made of 5 shipping containers, stacked laterally together. Partitions
between the containers have been removed in some places.
 Split air conditioning system has been provided on all floors to tackle heat gain from
metal walls and roofs.
INFERENCE
 Comfort level within the restaurant can only be achieved
in air conditioned environment.
 No passive or energy efficient methods to reduce heat gain has been adopted.
 The glass facade adds up to further heat gain.

MCAP 2020
Figure 19: Pankayam Restaurant, Palayam

MCAP 2020
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION

MCAP 2020
CONCLUSION
Commercial buildings are often dynamic in nature, that is their purpose changes very quickly
over a few year. This means commercial buildings always need renovation to serve new
purposes.
Considering shipping container as a building material for commercial purposes can solve many
issues related to the above. This includes:
Sustainable approach: Usage of containers as a building material for commercial purpose can
help both in recycling the usage of conventional building material.
Cost-effective : The rate of purchasing recycled containers and installing as commercial building
is comparatively lesser than conventional building techniques.
Standardizing: While using containers for commercial purpose, a set of guidelines can be put
forward to solve roofing, arrangement of containers and which shape to buy for.
These guidelines can help a buyer in setting up such a commercial setup in Kerala context.

MCAP 2020
BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://www.structure1.com/why-are-shipping-container-buildings-good-for-any-
climate/#:~:text=Hot%20Climates&text=Shipping%20containers%20are%20typically%20made,shading%20windo
ws%20from%20direct%20sunlight.
https://inhabitat.com/prefab-friday-homes-for-tropical-environments/
https://www.archdaily.com/tag/shipping-container
https://www.dezeen.com/2020/05/14/shipping-containers-turned-into-micro-apartments-by-containerwerk/
http://buildinghomesandliving.com/shipping-container-buildings/limitless-possibilities-with-shipping-containers-
which-arrangement-would-you-choose
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/1/108/htm
https://www.discovercontainers.com/how-to-fit-a-roof-onto-your-shipping-container/

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MCAP 2020

SHIPPING CONTAINER ACTING AS BUILDING MATERIAL

Marian College of Architecture and Planning

SHIPPING CONTAINER ACTING AS BUILDING MATERIAL

A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of

Marian College of Architecture and Planning

Signature of the student

………………………. …………………… …………………

1. External Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……

2. Internal Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……

3. Internal Examiner Signature …..………………………………….……...……..

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 4

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 5

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 6

Figure 1 : Dry Cargo Shipping Container……………………………………………………...…………16

Figure 2 : Open Top Container……………………………………………………...……………………16

Figure 3 : Closed Ventilated Container……………………………..……………………………………17

Figure 4 : Thermal container…………………………………………………..…………………………17

Figure 5 : 40’ High Cube Container……………………………………………………..……………..…18

Figure 6 : Primary Structural Components of a typical 20' ISO Shipping Container……………………19

Figure 7 : Non structural components………………………………………………….....………………20

Figure 8 : Spray Foaming…………………………………………………………………….………..…24

Figure 9 : Insulated panel……………………………………………………………..…………………..24

Figure 10 : Fiber glass…………………………………………………………………..………….……..25

Figure 11 : Non fiberglass batts……………………………………………………..……………….……25

Figure 13 : Cargo container home using precast pile foundation …………..……………………...……..26

Figure 15: Methods of Arrangements of containers…………………………..………………….……….29

Figure 16: Puma store………………………………………………………….……..…………………..32

Figure 17: Puma store construction…………………………………………………..………………...…33

Figure 18: Inda’s First Container home…………………………………………………..…………...…..34

Figure 19: Pankayam Restaurant, Palayam……………………………………………..…………………38

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 7

Table 1 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container…………………..………………………………15

Table 2 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container………………..…………………………………15

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 8

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 9

CHAPTER 1- GENERAL INTRODUCTION

HISTORY OF SHIPPING CONTAINER

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 10

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING 11

Theoretical Study Literature Study Case Study

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING | 12

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING | 13

General purpose Specific purpose

Dry cargo containers

Open top containers

Closed ventilated containers

High cube containers

CHAPTER 2-THEORETICAL STUDIES

 General cargo container

 Specific purpose container

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING | 14

GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINERS

 Standard containers with doors at one or both end

Corrugated Steel Sheet

Aluminium Sheet in Conjunction with Stiffening Profiles

Plywood with glass fibre- reinforced plastic coating

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING | 15

Table 1 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container

Table 2 : Dimensions of standard Shipping Container

TYPES OF GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINERS

NEVIN GLADSON | 10117057 | MARIAN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING | 16

Figure 1 : Dry Cargo Shipping Container