Can I install a container shelter on concrete blocks?

At Kroftman, we have over 18 years of experience in creating container shelters for storage and workspace solutions. While the name 'container shelter' suggests that these are primarily used in combination with shipping containers, we’ve seen increasing demand in recent years for other applications.

Container shelters on concrete walls

Our container shelters are increasingly combined with concrete walls instead of shipping containers. This application is particularly popular in the waste & recycling industry and in industrial sectors. In these industries, the combination is known under various names:

• Bunker silo shelter

• Silage storage shelter

• Silo shelter

• Box shelter

These shelters are often used to cover bulk goods, such as:

• Various types of waste

• Bulk materials

• Sand and gravel

Concrete blocks as a base

Concrete blocks, also known under brand names such as lego blocks, mega blocks, stackable blocks, concrete lego blocks, or concrete stacking blocks, provide an excellent base for container shelters. These concrete elements have several key advantages:

1. They allow for quick and easy construction of a sturdy wall or space.

2. In most cases, no adhesives are needed for the construction, depending on the stacking height and span.

3. They are suitable for both temporary and permanent applications.

4. Thanks to the simple stacking system, they are easy to place and relocate.

5. The blocks can be placed directly on the ground.

6. On a flat and load-bearing surface, they form a stable and robust wall or partition.

7. They offer a sustainable way to organize your site that can be adapted to your needs.

When do you need a structural calculation for your concrete wall?

It is crucial to ensure that your concrete wall can bear the load of a new shelter. For this, we recommend consulting a structural engineer for a professional calculation. This is especially important in the following cases:

• When the height exceeds 2.6 meters

• When there is a free span of more than 8 meters

A structural calculation ensures that your existing concrete wall is strong and stable enough for the additional load. We can connect you with a qualified engineer who can perform this calculation for you. Feel free to contact us for the necessary details.

Container shelter on concrete walls: A smart solution

A container shelter on two concrete walls is an excellent way to create covered space for, for example, the storage of bulk goods. At Kroftman, we offer a special anchoring kit for mounting on concrete walls, which you can easily order along with your container shelter.

Key points to consider:

• Ensure the tops of the walls are flat.

• Place the walls at the correct distance from each other.

In the table below, you will find the required distances for each type of container shelter:

Additional options for your container shelter

Enclosed rear wall

For U-shaped walls, we’ve developed a special frame that is half the size of the standard frame, including a matching cover. This option is available for shelters 8 and 10 meters wide.

Front and rear wall with roller door

If your walls are as high as a standard sea or high cube container (259 or 289 cm) and the distance between them matches the exact spacing of two containers, you can order the standard front and/or rear wall with a roller door. This transforms your container shelter into a full-fledged storage tent.

Note: The dimensions of stacked concrete blocks rarely match those of shipping containers exactly. Some improvisation may be needed when installing the front and/or rear wall.

Alternative applications

A container shelter can also be placed directly on the ground. In principle, installation is possible on almost any surface, as long as the top is flat and load-bearing for securing the base rail.

Tip: Always choose the right anchoring material for your surface.