When considering the installation of a sea container, one of the first questions that arises is the choice of foundations. Indeed, the proper selection and preparation of foundations are crucial to guaranteeing the stability of your container.
We'll discuss the various foundation options available, from concrete slabs to invert foundations and concrete footings. For each option, we'll present the advantages, disadvantages and situations in which they are most often used.
By reading this article, you'll be able to understand the particularities of each type of foundation and make the best choice for your specific shipping container project. Finally, you'll understand what you need to lay a container on.
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Container foundations: what to lay a container on
When it comes to installing a sea container, the choice of foundations is crucial to guaranteeing the structure's stability and durability. There are several types of foundation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's an overview of the most common options:
1. The concrete slab
The concrete slab is a highly reliable solution for container foundations. It provides a perfectly flat, stable surface capable of supporting the entire weight of the container. It also protects the container from moisture and corrosion.
✅ Advantages :
- Provides a perfectly flat, stable surface.
- Protects containers from moisture and corrosion.
- Supports the entire weight of the container, ensuring great stability.
❌ Disadvantages:
- This is the most expensive option.
- Construction requires more time and manpower.
- It is permanent and cannot be moved once installed.
- Do-it-yourself: 50 to 75 euros per square metre. For a 20-foot container (approx. 15 square meters), this would come to around 750 to 1125 euros.
- Professionally made: 100 to 150 euros per square meter. For a 20-foot container, this would come to around 1,500 to 2,250 euros.
2. Concrete blocks
Concrete blocks are a less expensive alternative to concrete slabs. They are particularly useful for damp ground, and raise the container slightly to protect it from flooding. However, they don't take advantage of the ground's geothermal energy, which can make the container colder.
✅ Advantages :
- This is a less expensive option than a concrete slab.
- They raise the container to protect it from flooding.
- They are easier and quicker to install than concrete slabs.
❌ Disadvantages:
- They don't take advantage of geothermal energy in the ground, which can make the container colder.
💶 Estimated price of concrete blocks
- Do-it-yourself: approx. 20 to 40 euros per stud. For a container requiring 4 studs, the cost would be around 80 to 160 euros.
- Professionally made: approx. 100 to 200 euros per stud. For a container requiring 4 studs, the cost would be around 400 to 800 euros.
3) In-ground foundations
In-ground foundations are used when the soil consists of heterogeneous rock, sand or earth fill. They are more technical to install, and often require the intervention of a professional. The invert must not be in contact with the ground, to avoid any risk of damage to the container.
✅ Advantages :
- They are ideal for sites with heterogeneous rock, sand or fill soil.
- They provide good stability for the container.
❌ Disadvantages:
- They are more technical to implement, and often require the intervention of a professional.
- The cost may be higher depending on the complexity of the terrain.
💶 Price estimate for invert foundations
- Do-it-yourself: This may be difficult to do yourself due to the technical complexity, but the materials could cost around 1,000 to 2,000 euros.
- Done by a professional: around 2,000 to 4,000 euros, depending on the complexity of the project.
4. Concrete footing
The concrete footing is an excellent alternative to the concrete slab. It involves pouring a foundation on which the container will rest. This method is often used, as it offers a good compromise between the stability of a concrete slab and the reduced cost of footings.
✅ Advantages :
- It offers a good compromise between the stability of a concrete slab and the reduced cost of studs.
- It's less costly than concrete slabs, yet offers good stability.
❌ Disadvantages:
- It requires excavation of the site.
- It does not support the container over its entire surface, which may affect its stability depending on the container's weight.
💶 Estimated price of a concrete footing
- Do-it-yourself: Approx. 30 to 50 euros per linear meter. For a 20-foot container, this would come to around 600 to 1000 euros.
- Professionally made: approx. 60 to 100 euros per linear meter. For a 20-foot container, this would come to around 1,200 to 2,000 euros.
5. Screw piles
Screw piles are another option for container foundations. They offer great stability and are particularly suited to difficult terrain. What's more, they are removable and reusable, which can be an advantage for some projects.
✅ Advantages :
- They are removable and reusable, which can be an advantage for certain projects.
- They are quick to install and do not require the drying time of concrete.
❌ Disadvantages:
- They require specialized equipment for installation.
- The number of piles required can increase the overall cost of the project.
- They may not be suitable for certain types of soil.
💶 Screw pile price estimate
- Do-it-yourself: Quality screw piles can cost between 50 and 100 euros a piece. For a container requiring 4 piles, this would come to around 200 to 400 euros. However, the equipment needed to install them can be expensive or difficult to obtain.
- Done by a professional: The cost can vary from 100 to 200 euros per pile, i.e. around 400 to 800 euros for a container requiring 4 piles.
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