Shipping Container Dome Shelter Engineering

The Engineering Behind Quality Domes Direct Container Shelters: A Technical Deep Dive

For Project Managers, Site Managers and Engineers, the decision to invest in a work site container dome shelter involves meticulous research and comparison with different suppliers. At Quality Domes Direct, we understand the need for durable, efficient and high-performance shelters that not only meet industry standards. Our container domes are designed with the technical specifications and structural integrity that professionals demand in challenging environments.

Australian and General Standards

• AS 4100 – Steel Construction and Structures Compliance
• AS 4600 2018 – Cold-formed steel structures
• AS/NZS 1554 – Welding Standards
• Structural AS 3679 Grade 350 – Steel Quality Compliance
• AS 1163 Grade 350 for Steel Cold Formed Structural Hollow Sections Sections
• AS/NZS 1554.1 2014 – Structural Steel Welding Code.
• AS/NZS 1170.1 – 2011 – Wind Loads
• AS/NZS 1170.2 – 2002 – Permanent imposed and other loads
• AS/2870 – 2011 – Site Classification
• AS 1111. 2000 – Fixing Components (bolts, nuts etc)
• HS Code: 6306.22 – Tents of synthetic fibres

Key takeaways

• This article provides a detailed overview of the features and benefits of our container dome shelters.
• Explaining why they are the preferred choice for engineers.
• The structural integrity and design features.
• Materials used in the shelter construction.
• Hot-Dip Galavanising: what it is and why we use it.
• Customisation and versatility of container shelters.
• How these shelters are easy to build and relocated.
• Structural design to Australian Standards.
• The environmental impact of dome shelters.

Structural Integrity and Materials

Quality Domes Direct container dome shelters are built with high-grade hot-dip galvanized steel and industrial-quality UV PVC fabric (HS Code: 6306.22). These materials have been chosen for their durability and resistance properties in all-weather conditions. The steel roof frames are engineered to withstand heavy wind and rain, ensuring stability and safety under diverse environmental stresses.

Galvanised Steel Frames: Each frame component is precision-engineered to create a robust, interlocking design that enhances the overall structural integrity. Galvanisation provides an additional layer of protection against rust and corrosion, crucial for prolonged outdoor use, especially in coastal or wet environments.

Galvanised Steel Base Plates, Base Rails and Fixings:
A critical part of the container shelter is its ease of connecting the roof arch truss frames to shipping containers. Two methods are available. The first is the Quality Domes Direct Quicklock System, which is a ‘no-weld’ method of quickly assembling a container dome shelter using a series of engineered components, clips, brackets and bolts. The second method is a welded base plate design whereby steel plates supporting the truss tube spigots are permanently welded to the top of the container.  The positioning of the base plates can be wither inside edge or outside edge container mounted. The welded option applies to larger dome shelters beginning with a 40x40ft (12xx12m) single truss container shelter and a Double Truss version. which is available in 40ft, 60ft and 70ft widths.

Industrial-Quality PVC Fabric: The HS Code: 6306.22 PVC covers are made from heavy-duty PVC, known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to UV exposure. This material ensures that the shelter remains impervious to water and maintains its integrity against tearing and abrasion.

Customisation and Versatility

Quality Domes Direct offers a range of customisation options to suit specific project needs. Whether you require varying sizes—from compact 20-feet domes to expansive 40-foot and 70-foot spans—or additional features such as end walls, front walls with doors and ventilation systems, our domes are highly versatile and adaptable.

Modular Design: The modular nature of our shelters allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration, accommodating changing project scopes or site dimensions. This feature is particularly beneficial for project sites that evolve over time, requiring flexible shelter solutions.

Adaptability: Our domes can be used for a variety of applications, from storage and warehousing to workshops and assembly spaces. The clear span interior maximizes usable space, devoid of internal columns or supports, which is ideal for housing large equipment or optimizing workflow.

Installation and Mobility

Understanding the need for quick deployment and reusability, our container dome shelters are designed for ease of installation and mobility. The assembly process is straightforward, allowing your team to set up the domes with minimal downtime.

Fast Assembly: With prefabricated components and a comprehensive installation guide, your crew can erect a dome in a matter of hours. This quick setup is essential for keeping project timelines on track and reducing labor costs.

Portability: The design facilitates easy dismantling and relocation, making our container domes an excellent investment for projects that require temporary shelter solutions. The reusability aspect of our domes ensures you get maximum utility over the dome’s lifespan, offering a cost-effective alternative to permanent structures.

Technical Specifications and Compliance

At Quality Domes Direct, our engineering team ensures that each dome is crafted to meet stringent Australian standards for safety and quality. Technical specifications include detailed load ratings, wind resistance levels, and material durability stats, providing the data needed to make informed decisions.

Load Ratings and Wind Resistance: Our shelters are engineered and tested under simulated conditions to ensure they can withstand specified load and wind ratings. Compliance with these standards is verified through rigorous testing, underscoring our commitment to safety and reliability.

Wind Loading and Design Considerations in Australia

Understanding wind loads is essential for designing and constructing safe and durable container dome shelter structures in Australia. The Australian Standards AS1170.2 and AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 provide comprehensive guidelines for wind region and terrain classifications.

To assist in the design process, wind load calculators and structural design software are used to calculate the precise wind rating applicable to each shelter. These resources help engineers accurately determine wind loads and ensure compliance with Australian building codes.

Wind Load Considerations for Container Dome Shelters

Quality Domes Direct is committed to providing robust and reliable container dome shelters and general steel frame fabric shelters that align with Australian Standard AS1170.2:2021 for wind loading. Our container domes and shelters are engineered with specific wind ratings to ensure structural integrity in various wind regions across Australia.

Given the diversity of the Australian landscape, particularly the coastal areas of North Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory which are prone to cyclonic conditions, steel structural design is important to be able to withstand these adverse weather events.

At present, dome shelters are designed to be compliant with Category B, however, there are certain modifications which can increase the resistance to wind speeds associated with Category C and D. Engineering modifications such as concrete piers and internal ballast inside shipping containers can improve the wind rating capacity.

Wind Speed Categories:

The following wind speed categories reflect the maximum wind speed categories within Australia:

• Category A: 147.6 km/h
• Category B: 177.5 km/h
• Category C: 204.5 km/h
• Category D: 247.7 km/h

Note: These values represent nominal wind speeds. The actual design wind speed for a specific location will depend on factors such as:

• Design life: The intended service life of the structure.
• Importance level (IL): The potential consequences of structural failure.
• Terrain category (TC): The roughness of the surrounding terrain.

By considering these factors, we can accurately determine the wind loads acting on the shelter and ensure its structural integrity.

Compliance Documentation: Upon request, we can provide detailed compliance documents and engineering certificates, ensuring that your project meets local and National Building Codes and Regulations.

Sustainability and Environmental Consideration

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our design philosophy. The materials used in our domes are selected not only for their performance but also for their environmental impact. By choosing our shelters, you contribute to a greener construction process.

Recyclable Materials: Both the steel frames and PVC covers are recyclable, reducing the environmental footprint of your project. This feature is particularly appealing to companies aiming to enhance their sustainability practices.

Energy Efficiency: The light color of our PVC fabric reflects sunlight, reducing the need for artificial cooling and thereby decreasing the energy consumption of your site.

For the engineer or project manager, a Quality Domes Direct container dome shelter represent a blend of advanced engineering, tailored customisation, and rigorous compliance with Australian standards. Our commitment to quality ensures that you receive a container dome shelter capable of withstanding the rigors of any worksite, while providing the flexibility and robust durability required for commercial and industrial projects.