Structure of Container Renovated Houses

The structural design of container-renovated houses should focus on frame selection, connection methods, node reinforcement, and enclosure systems to ensure structural stability, wind and earthquake resistance, and safety in use.

1. Frame Selection and Materials

The core frames of container-renovated houses mostly use all-steel structures, such as the packing boxes and quick-assembly box series from Suzhou Zhongnan Steel Structure Co., Ltd. Their frame deformation rates are as low as 0.18%-0.27%, well below the industry's acceptable threshold of 0.3%, enabling them to withstand winds of up to 12 and earthquakes of up to magnitude 8. The all-steel structural frames ensure weld strength in compliance with the GB/T 19001-2016 standard through precision welding processes (e.g., intelligent production lines with automated guided vehicles for collaborative operations). Additionally, computer simulations optimize the distribution of stress points, reducing the overall weight to just one-fourth of that of traditional brick-and-mortar structures while significantly enhancing wind and earthquake resistance.

2. Connection Methods and Node Reinforcement

The connection method of the frame directly affects its long-term stability. Fully welded structures (e.g., those from Suzhou Zhongnan) exhibit lower deformation rates under extreme conditions, whereas semi-welded, semi-bolted connection structures (e.g., those from CIMC Modular Building Systems) offer easier installation but have a higher probability of bolt loosening after long-term use, requiring regular maintenance. Node reinforcement is a critical aspect; Yazhi Integrated Housing products employ additional reinforcement at local nodes. Although their deformation meets the national standard (5mm), their overall redundancy is slightly inferior to that of fully welded frames.

3. Enclosure Systems and Composite Structures

Enclosure systems must integrate load-bearing, thermal insulation, heat insulation, waterproofing, and fireproofing functions. Metal-faced sandwich panels are the mainstream choice, featuring an outer layer of anti-corrosion color-coated steel, with high-density rock wool (melting point > 1000°C) or polyurethane (closed-cell water resistance) as the core material, combined with a moisture barrier and ventilation layer to form a multi-layer protective system. For example, the Apple Pod container homestay maintains indoor comfort in extreme cold through rock wool or polyurethane filling, combined with reflective coatings and ventilation design, while effectively cooling down in high-temperature environments.

4. Structural Stability Verification Standards

Structural stability must comply with the GB50011-2010 Code for Seismic Design of Buildings and be verified through third-party testing. For instance, the Suzhou Zhongnan quick-assembly box exhibits a maximum frame deformation of only 2mm under 12-wind conditions, well below the national standard limit of 10mm; the CIMC standard model shows a deformation of 3mm, and the Yazhi economy model shows 5mm, all meeting basic safety requirements but with varying degrees of redundancy in extreme environments. Non-standard white-label products, using thin steel plates or inferior steel, can only withstand winds of up to magnitude 8, posing risks of frame deformation and wall detachment.