The Correct Way to Turn Shipping Containers for Sale into a Safe Underground Bunker

1. May 10, 2018 The Correct Way to Turn Shipping Containers for Sale into a Safe Underground Bunker Every time someone mentions using shipping containers as an underground bunker, everyone warns that it’s dangerous. We’ve all heard horror stories about bunkers collapsing when buried underground. Although shipping containers aren’t built to take on weight and pressure along its sides, with proper modification and reinforcement, they can be made into good bunkers. Page | 1

2. Take note that these modifications are best carried out by professionals, but it doesn’t hurt to know what they would do. Here are the necessary steps to take when building a secure, safe, and sturdy underground bunker using a shipping container: Step 1: The Excavation Process Digging a hole in your backyard using just a shovel is not a good idea. Hiring the right people who can operate heavy machinery like a backhoe is the best way to excavate deeper and wider holes. Machines create a more even and smoother hole with lesser risks of caving in, plus it also requires less manual labor. Makes sure the whole is a little wider and deeper than the actual size of the shipping container. This gives it the extra room for the external modifications needed to strengthen the bunker. Step 2: Metal Container Wall Reinforcement All the best shipping containers are made from Corten steel, also known as weathering steel because of its ability to withstand external forces, wear and tear, and rusting. Although very strong and sturdy, the metal walls aren’t very thick because the boxes are built for stacking on top of each other. Before burying the shipping container, request for the supplier to modify the walls by adding thickness and insulation. This will make the box sturdier and be able to handle the pressure of being buried underground. Step 3: External Reinforcements One of the best ways to alleviate the weight and pressure around the containers is to add reinforcement and support outside the wall. This can be done by adding long and thick wooden planks along the sides and the roof of the box before burying it. Make sure that there is no space in between the planks for dirt to enter as this will affect its reinforcing capability. Page | 2

3. Step 4: Waterproofing Water entering the box is also a big issue with underground bunkers. The moment rain starts to pour, water will begin to collect inside the Conex box and destroy all your hard work. Speak to your trusted shipping container supplier about waterproofing options. Ask about specifically turning a container into a safe and habitable underground bunker. Don’t Risk It, Speak to Professionals First Building an underground bunker how some people prepare for emergency situations. However, building your own using shipping containers from Texas without doing more research or speaking to the experts at Equipment Management Services can put your project and yourself at risk. At EMS, there are trained experts who are equipped and knowledgeable about all types of shipping container modifications. Getting their expert opinion about burying shipping containers for sale and how to do so safely is the best way to ensure nothing bad happens to you and your efforts are not wasted. Sources: Underground Seacan Emergency Quarters, Instructables.com Burying the Box, SHTF Shipping Container Tips, Prepper-Resources.com Page | 3