Transforming Shipping Containers into Robust Survival Shelters: Best Practices and Expert Advice
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on converting shipping containers into durable and effective survival shelters. Utilizing knowledge from structural engineering principles and practical construction techniques, we explore various methods to ensure your container remains stable and rust-free even when buried beneath the ground. This guide is ideal for adventurers, preppers, and anyone looking to create a secure living space.
Understanding Soil and Structural Loads
When dealing with buried shipping containers, it's essential to understand the nature of the soil and the structural forces at play. Containers are designed to resist vertical loads, not lateral loads. Any time it rains, damp soil can exert a lateral hydrostatic load, causing instability. Additionally, loose soils such as sand and gravel have an 'angle of repose,' and anything built above that angle will experience lateral pressures. These factors can significantly compromise the structural integrity of a buried container.
Expert Recommendations for Rust Prevention and Waterproofing
Marine and structural engineer, Sam Walker (a retired structural engineer), offers invaluable advice on how to protect your container from rust and water ingress. According to Walker, proper preparation and application of waterproof coatings can help mitigate these risks. Below are several expert-backed techniques to ensure your container remains robust and reliable despite its underground location.
Method 1: Wet Baked Clay Coating
One method to prevent rust is by coating the container with wet baked clay. This process involves applying wet clay onto the metal surface and allowing it to fuse, protecting both against moisture and lightning strikes. Additionally, a fire hole can be created using a disk with holes to allow airflow and prevent rain from entering the fire site while ensuring gas release. This approach provides a good initial protection layer.
Method 2: Waterproof Coating with Flex Seal or Sno Coat
Painting the container with a versatile waterproof coating like Flex Seal or Sno Coat is an excellent choice. These products are designed to seal and protect surfaces from moisture and other environmental factors. Applying this coating can significantly enhance the container's resistance to rust and water.
Method 3: Lateral Support and Structural Integrity
To address the issue of lateral loads, adding lateral support can be crucial. Welding additional supports can provide the necessary reinforcement, ensuring that the container remains stable even under pressure. This step is particularly important for maintaining the structural integrity of the long sides, which are less resistant to lateral forces.
Method 4: Roofing Tar Coating
Coating the container with roofing tar provides an additional layer of protection against moisture. Applying roofing tar in multiple layers can be effective, with five coats being recommended to ensure thorough coverage. Letting it dry between each application will help achieve a more robust and protective coating.
Method 5: Elevating the Container Off the Ground
Elevating the container on blocks can prevent direct contact with the ground, reducing the risk of dampness and rust. After elevating, painting the container with a suitable waterproof coating can further enhance its longevity and adaptability to various environmental conditions.
Optimal Site Preparation and Drainage
The foundation of a stable and durable buried container is proper site preparation and drainage. Starting with a layer of gravel, about two feet thick, allows the container to sit on a stable base. Surrounding the sides of the hole, up to one foot from the top, with gravel helps divert any excess ground water away from the container. This drainage system is crucial for preventing water from seeping into the container and causing long-term damage.
Preventing Rust with Multiple Layers of Protection
Sam Walker emphasizes the importance of treating the container's internal surfaces with asphalt stroke. This can be either brushed or hot-mopped on, providing a physical barrier against moisture. While waterproof coatings on the external surface can prevent rust, condensation on the internal surface is inevitable. Over time, scratches and abrasions on the inner surface can lead to rust, so it's crucial to maintain regular inspection and maintenance to prolong the container's lifespan.
Conclusion
While burying a shipping container as a survival shelter is a creative and practical endeavor, it requires careful planning and execution to ensure long-term stability and longevity. Adopting the recommendations and techniques outlined in this guide can significantly enhance the durability of your container, ensuring it remains a reliable shelter in any environment. Remember, proper preparation and ongoing maintenance are key to achieving the best results.
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more of our content on survival shelters and related topics. If you have questions or need additional advice, feel free to reach out and share your experiences with the community.