Shipping containers are used to transport large amounts of goods and materials worldwide, but they need to be strong enough to withstand the rigors of their journey. Shipping containers must be able to survive long periods on a boat or truck, extreme temperatures, and even high-force winds.
To ensure that your shipment arrives safely, it is important to reinforce your shipping container walls. Reinforcing the walls of a shipping container can provide additional strength, durability, and protection against any potential damage or weather elements that could be encountered during transport.
Reinforcing shipping container walls provides several advantages. These include increased structural strength, improved resistance to weather and environmental conditions, and enhanced security. Structural reinforcements can be added to the entire wall or just certain areas to meet specific needs and requirements.
Reinforcing the walls also increases their durability, ensuring that they will last longer and perform better. In this blog post, You will learn in detail how to reinforce shipping container walls.
Materials You Will Need
- Corrugated sheet metal
- Steel bars, plates, or sheets
- Drill and screws
- Anchors and epoxy adhesive
- Hammer and chisel (optional)
- Paint (optional)
Tools You Will Need
- Steel reinforcing bars
- Steel plates
- Bolts and Nuts
- Welding Machine
- Angle Grinder
Step-by-Step Processes for How to Reinforce Shipping Container Walls
Step 1: Inspect the Area
Before reinforcing the shipping container walls, inspect the existing condition of the container to check for any deterioration or rusting. Once you have identified any areas that need attention, thoroughly clean them with a mild detergent solution to remove dirt and grime before proceeding with reinforcement.
Step 2: Preparing the Surface
If there are any rust patches, prepare them by sanding or grinding. This will make the surface smooth and flush for better adhesion of paint and other reinforcement materials. If you wish to use welding, then you must also prepare the area before welding by brushing it with a wire brush or sandpaper.
Step 3: Applying Rust Resistant Coating
Apply a rust-resistant coating to the area. This will help protect the container walls from further corrosion and rusting. You can use either oil-based or water-based paint for this purpose. Allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding with reinforcement materials.
Step 4: Adding Structural Reinforcement
Depending on the age and condition of your container, you may need to add extra structural reinforcement. For example, you can use steel frames, wooden braces, or metal straps for this purpose. Use fasteners such as bolts and nuts to secure them in place. Attach anchor plates or steel angles to the container walls. These will provide additional strength and stability. Secure them by drilling pilot holes and fastening them with bolts.
Step 5: Securing Reinforcement Materials
Once you have added all of your reinforcement materials, you will need to secure them using screws and nuts. Make sure that the screws are tightened properly and evenly for extra strength.
To protect the container from harsh weather conditions, apply at least two finishing coat layers to the exterior. You can use either oil-based or water-based paint for this purpose. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
Step 6: Sealing the Container
Once you have finished reinforcing and painting, use sealing materials to ensure that no moisture will enter the container walls. You can use either sealant or caulk for this purpose. Before putting your container back into use, inspect it one final time to ensure that all of your reinforcement materials are secure and there are no gaps or openings.
Once you have successfully reinforced the container walls, enjoy its new durability and strength. The extra protection will help keep the contents safe and secure during transportation.
You Can Check It Out to Frame a Garage Door Into a Wall
6 Tips for How to Reinforce Shipping Container Walls
- Before you attempt to reinforce shipping container walls, ensure that the materials you use are up to standard. Check the thickness of your steel plates and the strength rating of your fasteners (bolts and nuts).
- Reinforcing a shipping container wall requires precision work and should be done with appropriate tools. Ensure all your power tools are in good working order and use the correct safety gear to protect yourself from injury.
- When putting in plates or other reinforcements, ensure they are spaced correctly to ensure maximum strength. For example, if you’re using steel plates, allow a 3″ gap between each plate.
- If you’re welding steel plates together, ensure the welds are secure and even. Use grinding tools to smooth out any irregularities if needed.
- Make sure to inspect your reinforcements regularly to identify any potential problems. Ensure all fasteners are secure and check for any signs of corrosion or rust.
- When working with power tools, take appropriate safety precautions to protect yourself from injury. Wear the necessary safety gear (goggles, gloves, etc.), and make sure your work area is free of obstructions.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shipping container walls are properly reinforced and safe. Be sure to use quality materials, appropriate tools, and proper spacing when reinforcing your container walls for maximum strength and security.
How Long Does It Take to Reinforce a Shipping Container?
Reinforcing a shipping container typically takes 1-2 days to complete, depending on the job’s complexity. The first step is to inspect the condition of the walls and determine what kind of reinforcement is necessary. Reinforcement may include additional metal bracing, steel plates, or other structural components that can provide extra strength and durability to protect the container’s contents.
Once the materials have been chosen and ordered, they can be installed onto the walls of the shipping container. This is typically done with welding or bolting techniques, depending on the reinforcement used. Depending on the job’s complexity, it could take a few hours to several days to install the reinforcements.
Once all of the reinforcements have been installed and tested, they will then need to be painted to protect them against corrosion. This can generally be accomplished in 1-2 days, depending on the size of the container. The paint job should also last several years if it is properly done.
How Much Will It Cost to Reinforce a Shipping Container’s Walls?
The cost of reinforcing shipping container walls depends largely on the type of material and method used to reinforce the walls. For example, you may be able to reinforce your shipping container’s walls using steel bands at a relatively low cost. However, the cost could increase significantly if you choose to use additional materials, such as plywood or insulation, which would offer thicker reinforcement.
Additionally, if you hire a professional contractor to reinforce your shipping container’s walls, you can expect to pay for materials, labor, and other applicable costs. If you plan to reinforce your shipping container’s walls yourself, ensure that you factor in the cost of all necessary supplies and tools before beginning the project.
Depending on the materials and methods you use, the cost of reinforcing a shipping container’s walls can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. By taking some time to calculate how much it will cost to reinforce your shipping container’s walls, you can ensure that you stay within your budget.
How Often Should a Reinforced Shipping Container Be Inspected and Maintained?
Reinforcing shipping containers is important to keep goods secure and undamaged during transportation. Regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted to ensure that these reinforced shipping containers are in proper working order. How often the container needs to be inspected depends on several factors, including the type of goods being transported, any prior damage or wear and tear, and the frequency of use.
Generally, reinforced shipping containers should be inspected at least once a year or after each 10-20 journeys. Containers transporting hazardous materials may require more frequent inspections due to the additional risk of damage and contamination. It is important to inspect both the inside and outside of the container for signs of damage, corrosion, or other wear and tear. All reinforcing materials should be checked for any signs of breakage or wear.
Conclusion
The primary disadvantage of reinforcing shipping container walls is the cost. Reinforcing a shipping container wall can be very expensive and require special materials, tools, and expertise. Additionally, if not done correctly, reinforcing a container wall may not provide adequate strength or protection.
Another disadvantage is that reinforced shipping containers are much heavier than standard containers, making it difficult to move or transport them. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can affect the integrity of a reinforced wall, such as rusting from moisture or warping from temperature changes.
After reading our blog, you should now know how to reinforce your shipping container walls. Steel or aluminum is the best material for structural reinforcement as it will provide extra strength and stability for the container. Additionally, using steel bars between each layer of steel panels can also help increase the rigidity and strength of a wall.
Finally, adding a second layer of steel or aluminum can also help protect your container from impacts and other kinds of damage. I hope this article has been beneficial in learning how to reinforce shipping container walls. Make Sure the precautionary measures are followed chronologically.
You Can Check It Out To Stabilize Foundation on Clay Soil