40 foot shipping containers, yield strength / buckling

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the structural integrity of a shipping container placed on a low bridge, specifically focusing on the forces it can withstand from ocean waves, including extreme conditions like tsunamis. The scope includes considerations of buckling and bending under load, as well as the implications of welding the container to the bridge.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the yield strength and buckling resistance of the container's sides when subjected to forces from ocean waves, particularly a tsunami estimated at 2000 kN/m.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of the plan, noting that shipping containers are not designed for immersion in seawater.
  • A third participant questions the specifics of the force measurement, asking whether the 200 kN/m refers to a linear or area-based measurement and raises concerns about the bridge's ability to support such loads.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for a professional structural engineering analysis to ensure safety, indicating that the forum cannot provide the necessary expertise.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views regarding the safety and feasibility of placing a shipping container on a bridge under the specified conditions, with some expressing concerns and others seeking technical details.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the container's structural capabilities and the bridge's load-bearing capacity, as well as the lack of clarity on the force measurement units.

Ben Segev
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Hi, I am currently needing to place (and weld to the ground) a shipping container on a low bridge that is perpendicular to the shore. I was wondering if anyone knows how much force the sides of the container can withstand before buckling and/or bending. In essence, we have to account for very strong ocean waves (maximum wave is a tsunami at 2000 kN/m) continuously hitting the side of the container.
Thank you, all help is appreciated !
 
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Ben Segev said:
Hi, I am currently needing to place (and weld to the ground) a shipping container on a low bridge that is perpendicular to the shore. I was wondering if anyone knows how much force the sides of the container can withstand before buckling and/or bending. In essence, we have to account for very strong ocean waves (maximum wave is a tsunami at 2000 kN/m) continuously hitting the side of the container.
Thank you, all help is appreciated !
Welcome to the PF.

Doesn't sound like a good idea. Shipping containers aren't made to be immersed in seawater...
 
Hello Ben :welcome:

I read your post and was puzzled: ##\quad## Weld to the ground on a bridge ?

Designed to withstand 200 kN/m ? ( or /m2 ? )
would that be per m (or m2) of the side of the container ?​

Can the bridge itself withstand that ?
 
This is something that requires a detailed professional structural engineering analysis to be done safely. We cannot provide that here. Thread closed.
 
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