Burying a Shipping Container Underground
Burying a shipping container underground is a construction process in which a standardized steel shipping container (ISO container) is placed partially or entirely below the surrounding ground level. This procedure changes the original purpose of the container, which is international transport and storage of goods, into a stationary underground or semi-submerged structure.
In practice, this is a complex construction project that requires thorough planning, structural assessment, and specialized construction modifications. While shipping containers are designed for extreme loads – especially in the vertical direction (for stacking up to eight containers high) – the underground environment introduces an entirely new type of load: massive lateral and overhead pressure from soiland water, for which containers are not designed in their basic configuration.
Why is burying becoming increasingly popular?
- Availability: Used containers (20 ft and 40 ft) are commonly available, and their acquisition cost is favorable.
- Robustness: Corten steel construction provides high resistance to weather conditions.
- Modularity: Standardization of dimensions allows for easy planning and construction modifications.
- Versatility: Containers can be used as storage units, safety shelters, garages, workshops, wine cellars, or even alternative living spaces.
However, it is crucial to understand and correctly address structural integrity, waterproofing, drainage, ventilation, and access.
Key Concepts and Terminology
Structural Integrity and Loading
Original Design vs. New Loading
- Original Construction: Containers are built to carry thousands of kilograms in the vertical direction, with massive corner posts and the bottom frame bearing the main load.
- Underground Loading: Once buried, lateral (side) pressure from the soil is exerted on the walls, and enormous pressure on the roof. If the container is not additionally reinforced, there is a risk of deformation or collapse!
- Hydrostatic Pressure: The presence of groundwater or rainwater dramatically increases the pressure the structure must withstand. The risk increases particularly in clayey and impermeable soils.
Load Calculation and Assessment
- Structural Assessment: For each project, an individual structural calculation is crucial to determine the necessary reinforcement of walls/roof depending on depth, soil type, anticipated precipitation, and groundwater level.
- Standards and Certifications: European standards are used (e.g., ČSN EN 1991-1-1 Actions on structures). Consultation with a structural engineer is always recommended!
Most Common Mistakes
- Burying the container without reinforcement (walls will buckle, roof will sag).
- Placing it in waterlogged soil without drainage.
- Using a damaged or heavily corroded container.
| Type of Load | Risk to Structure | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral soil pressure | Wall buckling and cracking | Reinforcement, gabions, concrete |
| Hydrostatic pressure | Leaks and corrosion | Waterproofing, drainage |
| Roof load | Roof buckling, collapse | Steel beams, concrete |
Necessity of Reinforcement
Reinforcement Options:
1. External Concrete Skeleton
- Highest level of protection, but also highest costs.
- Lost formwork is created around the container, steel reinforcement (rebar mesh) is inserted, and concrete is poured. The result is a monolithic reinforced concrete shell.
- Suitable for projects with extreme requirements (e.g., bunkers).
2. Steel Reinforcements (I-beams, U-channels)
- Welded to the inner or outer side of the walls and roof.
- Distribute pressure to the corner posts, which are designed for this load.
- Ideal solution if complete concreting is not possible.
3. Gabion Baskets
- Steel mesh baskets filled with aggregate, which surround the container and distribute soil pressure.
- An advantage is simultaneous drainage.
4. Internal Frame Structure
- Creation of a separate load-bearing frame (steel/wood) inside the container, which supports the walls and ceiling.
5. Combination of Methods
- It is often best to combine multiple methods for maximum safety.
| Reinforcement Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete skeleton | Maximum strength, watertightness | High cost, labor-intensive | For permanent structures |
| Steel profiles | Speed, lower cost | Lower water protection | Ideal for walls/roof |
| Gabions | Drainage + pressure distribution | Space requirement | Combine with foils |
| Internal frame | Simple assembly | Reduces usable space | Temporary/provisional solution |
Waterproofing and Corrosion Protection
Why is waterproofing crucial?
A container in contact with the ground quickly succumbs to corrosion, especially in areas where the original protective layer is compromised.
Recommended procedures:
- Thorough surface cleaning: Sandblasting, rust removal, degreasing.
- Application of waterproofing coatings:
- Asphalt membranes
- Liquid rubber
- Epoxy coatings (2–3 layers)
- Polyurethane protective sprays (often for car undercarriages)
- Dimpled membrane: Installation around the container as protection against mechanical damage to the waterproofing, creating drainage channels.
- Geotextile: Protects the waterproofing from puncture by roots and aggregate.
- Quality foundations: Concrete slab or footings – never place the container directly on the soil!
| Type of Waterproofing | Advantages | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt membranes | Cost, availability | Double layer, overlapping joints |
| Liquid rubber | Flexibility, elasticity | Ideal for complex shapes |
| Epoxy | Mechanical resistance | Multiple layers |
| Dimpled membrane | Drainage + mechanical protection | Combine with coatings |
Drainage and Water Removal
Without effective drainage, there is a risk of flooding, increased humidity, and destruction of the load-bearing structure.
Drainage systems:
- Drainage piping: Perforated pipes (corrugated, 100 mm diameter) laid in a gravel bed around the foundations along the entire perimeter of the container.
- Wrapping pipes with geotextile: Prevents clogging of the system by fine particles.
- Drainage slope: Min. 2% away from the container towards a collection point (soakaway pit, sewage system).
- Sump with pump: For areas with high groundwater levels. An automatic pump drains water when a limit is reached.
Important:
- When designing drainage, always consider the maximum possible precipitation and groundwater level in the locality!
- In some cases, it is advisable to supplement the drainage system with inspection chambers.
Ventilation and Humidity Control
Underground spaces are susceptible to condensation, mold, and CO2 accumulation.
Types of ventilation:
- Passive ventilation: Install ventilation grilles or chimneys on opposite sides of the container (chimney effect).
- Active ventilation: Electric fans (e.g., with a timer or humidity sensor).
- Heat recovery unit: For living spaces, it ensures fresh air and reduces heat loss.
- Dehumidifiers: Electric dehumidifiers for rapid humidity stabilization.
| Ventilation System | Advantages | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Passive | Low cost, no maintenance | Minimum 2 openings |
| Active | Controlled air exchange | Ideal for cellars |
| Heat recovery | Energy saving, comfort | For living spaces |
| Dehumidifier | Rapid humidity reduction | Temporary solution |
Access and Door Modifications
Standard container doors are robust, but their mechanism is adapted for above-ground use.
Problems and solutions:
- Opening into space: After burying, it is not possible to fully open the doors (lack of space in front of the doors).
- Solutions:
- Excavation of an entrance shaft in front of the doors (with retaining walls).
- Installation of new doors into the side/front of the container (classic doors, security doors).
- Cutting out part of the roof and creating a vertical entrance (for bunkers or cellars).
- A groove in the ground for the movement of the locking bar (labor-intensive and less aesthetic).
- Recommendation: For a storage unit or cellar, a shaft with a retaining wall is often sufficient; for a living space, a newly installed entrance with insulated doors is better.
Applications and Usage Options
Most Common Uses of Buried Containers
- Underground storage/cellar: Constant temperature, protection against theft, suitable for food, wine, tools.
- Safety shelter (bunker): With reinforcement, it provides protection against extreme phenomena (gales, tornadoes).
- Workshop/studio: Quiet, insulated space protected from ambient noise.
- Garage on a slope: On sloping plots, a discreet and secure garage can be created.
- Alternative living spaces: With suitable insulation, light, and ventilation, unconventional underground living can be created.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Cost and availability: Shipping containers are cheaper than a traditional shell construction of similar size. There is a wide selection on the market (20′ and 40′ containers).
- Durability and security: After modifications, the structure is extremely resistant to fire, water, rodents, and thieves.
- Rapid construction: Placing the container takes a few hours; preparation and modifications are faster than brick construction.
- Thermal stability: The soil protects against temperature fluctuations, saving heating/cooling costs.
- Discretion: The structure is inconspicuous, not marring the landscape.
Disadvantages
- High modification costs: Structural reinforcement, waterproofing, drainage, and concreting can increase the price to the level of a conventional building.
- Structural risks: Without a professional project, there is a risk of deformation, collapse, and safety hazards.
- Risk of humidity and corrosion: Imperfect waterproofing/drainage means rapid degradation of the structure.
- Building permit: Permanent embedding is considered a construction, requiring a building permit and project documentation.
- Technical complexity: The project is not suitable for amateurs; it requires experienced companies and specialists.
- Limited dimensions: The internal width of the container is only approximately 2.35 m, which limits its use for some purposes.
Recommended Procedure for Project Implementation
- Selection of a suitable container (minimal damage, no heavy corrosion, ideally Cargo Worthy certification).
- Structural design: Collaboration with a structural engineer/civil engineer.
- Project documentation: Including solutions for drainage, waterproofing, ventilation, and access.
- Earthworks: Excavation, drainage preparation, foundation concreting.
- Assembly and reinforcement: Steel profiles, concreting, gabions according to design.
- Application of waterproofing and dimpled membrane.
- Placement of the container on foundations.
- Backfilling with soil with gradual compaction.
- Installation of ventilation, doors, and interior modifications.
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