How to Assemble Container Houses

Assembling container houses requires standardized operations in steps such as foundation preparation, module positioning, structural connection, and sealing treatment to ensure structural stability and waterproof performance.

1. Foundation Preparation

Ensure the foundation is flat and stable, typically using a concrete foundation or steel frame with embedded connectors. The concrete foundation should be poured according to design dimensions, with strength meeting load-bearing requirements; the steel frame should be firmly welded, with anti-corrosion treatment on the surface. The positions of embedded connectors (such as bolts and steel plates) should match the corner fittings of the containers, with an error margin controlled within ±5mm to provide precise positioning for subsequent installation.

2. Module Positioning

Use lifting equipment (such as truck cranes or forklifts) to hoist container modules to designated positions, adjusting verticality and levelness with a laser level or plumb line. A gap of about 10cm should be reserved between adjacent containers to facilitate subsequent connection operations and thermal expansion and contraction deformation. After positioning, use temporary supports to fix the containers and prevent displacement.

3. Structural Connection

1. Corner Fitting Connection: Tightly connect the corner fittings (reinforced structures at the four corners) of adjacent containers with high-strength bolts (such as Grade 8.8 or 10.9) to form an overall frame. Bolts should be tightened step by step in a diagonal sequence, with torque values meeting design requirements (such as 200-300N·m) to ensure connection strength.
2. Wall Panel Connection: Use dedicated connectors (such as C-channels or I-beams) to fix side wall panels and roof panels at the seams. The spacing between connectors should be uniform (such as 300-500mm) to ensure the flatness error of wall panels is ≤3mm.
3. Roof Panel Connection: Roof panels are usually connected using overlapping or seaming processes. The overlapping length should be ≥100mm, and a waterproof underlay (such as SBS modified bitumen membrane) should be laid. The seaming process requires the use of dedicated equipment to press tightly and prevent rainwater infiltration.
4. Column Connection: Connect four columns with corner fittings and then fix them with screws. After tightening each bottom beam screw, use an electric drill for secondary fixation to ensure complete engagement between the screw and nut and prevent loosening.

4. Sealing Treatment

1. Structural Seam Sealing: Fill foam or rubber strips as backing in the seams between containers, and cover with weather-resistant sealant (such as silicone sealant) on the outside. The width of the sealant strip should cover at least 2cm on both sides of the seam, with uniform thickness to form a continuous waterproof layer; the inside of the seam should also be sealed or decorated with trim strips.
2. Window and Door Opening Sealing: Pre-install EPDM rubber seals between window and door frames and wall panels, ensuring a compression of about 30% for elastic sealing; apply sealant around the outside of the frames where they contact the wall panels to form a secondary waterproof barrier.
3. Roof and Vent Openings: All pipelines passing through the roof or the bases of ventilators must be fitted with waterproof gaskets and sealed with sealant to prevent rainwater from seeping into the interior along the pipelines.

Construction Recommendations: Check the flatness of containers before installation, with an error margin of ≤5mm; sealing work should be carried out in a dry environment (relative humidity < 80%), and avoid contact with water before the sealant cures; after completion, conduct a water spray test (lasting more than 2 hours) to detect sealing effectiveness and ensure no leakage.