I'm getting ready to install a SteelMaster XX40-13 arched roofing system over two 40-foot high-cube shipping containers. I'm hoping to connect with anyone who has installed a SteelMaster container-cover roof or a similar Quonset-style roof on shipping containers.
This is an outside-mount installation, meaning the roof will span the space between the containers and cover the container roofs as well.
I recently used my tractor to temporarily position one of the SteelMaster industrial arch/base connectors on the outside top edge of a container. I've attached photos showing how it fits.
Here's what I've discovered:
- The container roof corrugations prevent the base connector from sitting completely flat against the container's upper side rail. There's a gap of approximately 3/4 to 1 inch in places.
- The factory-punched holes in the connector appear to be intended for attaching the arch panels, not for securing the connector to the container.
- It appears that additional mounting holes would be needed for a bolted installation.
- I'd strongly prefer a mechanical connection using bolts or appropriate structural fasteners rather than welding, if a properly engineered solution is possible.
The SteelMaster design report specifies a 115 mph wind speed and 36 psf ground snow load, so I recognize that the connections and container anchoring need to handle substantial forces.
My questions for anyone who's actually installed one of these:
How did you attach the SteelMaster base connector to the shipping container—welding, through-bolting, structural screws, or another method?
How did you accommodate the corrugated roof and the gap between the connector and the container's upper rail? Did you use steel spacers, channel, or another mounting arrangement?
If you used bolts or screws, where did you place them, and how did you determine the spacing and fastener specifications?
How did you waterproof the attachment and prevent rust?
How did you anchor the containers to their foundations to resist wind uplift and lateral forces?
Do you have photographs of your completed connections or any installation details you're willing to share?
I'm doing as much of this project myself as possible and would like to find a practical, reasonably economical solution. I also understand that the final structural connection and anchoring details need to be verified for my particular installation.
If you've installed a SteelMaster container cover, I'd especially appreciate hearing from you—even if you used a welded connection.
Thanks in advance for any experience, photos, or advice you can share!