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20x20ft 6mx6m container dome shelter with end wall. 3D render 45 degree angle

Shipping Container Shelter End Wall Outside to Outside Mounted

Shipping container domes shelter full length end wall.

Container Shelter End Wall. Outside to Outside Mounted.

Mounting an end wall on a shipping container that spans from the outside to outside edge (i.e., attaching the wall to the external sides of the container) can present several challenges due to the structural design of shipping containers and the practicalities of installing a dome shelter.

Reasons why it may be difficult or impractical

1. Structural Integrity

  • Container Ribs Corrugations: Shipping containers are built with corrugated steel walls and external ribs to provide strength and durability. These external ribs create an uneven surface on the outside of the container.

    Attaching an end wall from the outside could result in an uneven fit, gaps appearing, and insufficient contact points for a proper weatherproof seal.

  • Weight Distribution: The roof and side walls of shipping containers are designed to handle specific loads, particularly vertical pressure from stacking. Attaching a large structure to the outside of the container could place undue stress on these surfaces, potentially weakening the container’s structural integrity.

2. Waterproofing and Sealing Issues

  • Difficulty in Achieving a Proper Seal: When mounting the end wall to the outside edges of the container, the uneven external surface can make it difficult to create a weather-tight seal. This could lead to water leaks, wind infiltration, and other environmental issues that reduce the functionality of the shelter.
  • Thermal Expansion and Movement: Shipping containers expand and contract with temperature changes, and a shelter mounted on the outside edges will need to accommodate that movement. Without precise alignment and flexible seals, gaps may appear or warping can happen over time.

3. Alignment and Size Variability

  • Inconsistent Container Dimensions: While shipping containers are built to standard dimensions, there may be slight variations due to wear and tear, manufacturing tolerances, or damage. These inconsistencies could make it difficult to mount an end wall that perfectly spans the outside edge of the two containers without gaps or alignment irregularities.
  • Leveling Issues: Shipping containers are not always perfectly level, especially when placed on uneven ground. Trying to attach an end wall on the outside edge means that even small misalignments in the container setups could make it challenging to achieve a flush and secure fit.

4. Access and Maintenance

  • Limited Access to Components: If the end wall is mounted on the outside edges of the container, it could obstruct access to certain components such as the lock mechanisms, container corners, or other structural elements that may need maintenance. Mounting the End Wall to the interior side however, allows for easier access and reduces the risk of interfering with these components.

5. Aesthetic and Functional Considerations

  • Protruding Design: Mounting the end wall from outside to outside creates a protruding edge, which can look odd and could interfere with the overall design and functionality of the shelter. This approach could also make the dome shelter look bulky and less integrated with the containers, after all, installing a dome shelter means it will get noticed, especially by your own customers and peers – so it has appear visually perfect to the eye.
  • Customisations and Add-Ons: Many End Walls may have doorways, windows, or ventilation systems integrated into them. Mounting these systems on an uneven surface may affect their functionality, especially if the structure isn’t perfectly flush with the container’s surface.

Best Practice: Inside Edge Mounting

Most often, end walls are mounted inside the edges of the container or flush with the internal side walls. This approach offers several advantages:

  • Perfect fitting because precision engineered parts are a guaranteed fit when installed correctly.
  • Easier sealing to prevent water and wind getting into the internal space under the roof.
  • Less interference with the container’s structural components.
  • More secure mounting on flat, even surfaces inside the container ribs.
  • Cleaner aesthetics that don’t add unnecessary bulk or external protrusions.

Alternative Solutions:

  • Mounting Frames: If you need to attach the end wall externally, consider using mounting frames or brackets that create a smooth, level surface across the back of the container. This would help to overcome the uneven surface and sealing issues.

By mounting the end wall to the internal edges, you improve the overall stability, sealing, and functionality of the dome shelter.

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