On-site Assembly of Container Houses

The on-site assembly of container houses typically adopts the method of factory-prefabricated components and rapid on-site assembly, featuring short construction periods, high precision, and relocatability.

I. Factory Prefabrication Stage

The core components of container houses are manufactured in the factory, including the welding of steel structural frames, the prefabrication of wall/roof panels, and the embedding of water and electricity pipelines. For example, a smart factory in Guangdong uses a fully automated production line to disassemble the house into six components: the bottom, top, and four sides. These components are produced simultaneously on multiple sub-production lines and finally assembled into a complete container at the end of the production line. This standardized production model ensures that the precision of the components is stably controlled within 1-2 millimeters, with a daily production capacity of 50 modules, far exceeding that of similar factories in North America. Some enterprises also integrate interior soft furnishings, such as bathroom fixtures, cabinets, and wardrobes, achieving a 'ready-to-move-in' standard.

II. On-site Assembly Process

1. Foundation Treatment
   Depending on the usage scenario, choose a concrete strip foundation (for long-term fixation) or prefabricated concrete pads/steel pads (for short-term use). The horizontal error of the foundation top surface must be controlled within 2 millimeters per meter to avoid uneven settlement of the container, which could lead to deformation of doors and windows or cracks in the walls.

2. Lifting and Positioning
   Use steel wire ropes with sufficient load-bearing capacity to simultaneously lift all lifting points, avoiding unilateral force that could distort the container. After the container is positioned, check the fit between the bottom beam and the foundation pads. Any local gaps should be filled with thin steel sheets to ensure uniform floor loading.

3. Module Assembly
   Assemble the containers using bolts or welding, focusing on checking the steel wall thickness of the columns and bottom beams (common specifications range from 1.5-3 millimeters) and the coating process (hot-dip galvanizing offers longer corrosion resistance). Ensure that all connection nodes are tightly fastened during assembly to avoid affecting overall stability due to loose nodes.

4. Water and Electricity Connection
   Only the connection of water and electricity pipelines between modules is required on-site, eliminating the need for complex construction. For example, in an Australian project, only water and electricity connections were needed on-site, and the installation period was shortened to just a few days.

III. Technical Advantages

1. Shortened Construction Period: Traditional construction takes 14-18 months, while the modular solution has an overall period of only about 7 months.
2. Reduced Costs: The number of on-site permanent workers is reduced by more than 60%, and there is no need for scaffolding, plastering, and other processes, significantly reducing hidden costs.
3. Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency: Construction waste, dust, and noise pollution are reduced, and materials can be repeatedly disassembled and relocated to different sites.