1. Materials of container
1. Container had made by steel alloys which were developed to obviate the need for painting, and
form a stable rust-like appearance if exposed to the weather for several years. What this
actually means is that due to the chemical make-up of corten steel it has an increased resistance
to weather corrosion. In short corten steel forms a protective surface layer that acts as a
weather proof barrier. Very useful in a steel container that is primarily designed to withstand
salt water and the extreme conditions found at sea. This kind of steel provided rust proof
qualities not only for shipping purpose but also to other construction.
- Advantages of steel
a. Strength and durability
Shipping containers are in many ways an ideal building material. They are designed to
carry heavy loads and to be stacked in high columns. They are also designed to resist
harsh environments - such as on ocean-going vessels or sprayed with road salt while
transported on roads. Due to their high strength, containers are useful for secure
storage.
b. Modular
All shipping containers are made to standard measurements and as such they provide
modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design,
planning and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility
during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them.
Due to the containers' modular design additional construction is as easy as stacking
more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 high when empty.
- Disadvantages of steel
a. Temperature
Steel conducts heat very well; containers used for human occupancy in an environment
with extreme temperature variations will normally have to be better insulated than
most brick, block or wood structures.
b. Labor
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor and can increase
construction expenses, yet overall it is still lower than conventional construction. Unlike
wood frame construction, attachments must be welded or drilled to the outer skin,
which is more time consuming and requires different job site equipment.