Riggs, David (2023) Analysis of Australian building code relevant to the use of decommissioned shipping containers as housing. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
This dissertation examined how decommissioned shipping containers could meet Australian building code for Class 1a housing to provide a potential solution to the current housing supply shortage in Australia with consideration to the nation’s climate targets. An explanatory case study of decommissioned shipping containers as residential housing, through document analysis of the National Construction Code (2022), the Queensland Development Code and Bundaberg Regional Council policies was undertaken to develop a reasonable interpretation of how national, state and local building codes relate to the use of decommissioned shipping containers as residential housing. The case study research was used to evaluate how decommissioned shipping containers can meet the national, state government and local council building codes for residential housing in Australia.
The research interpretation found that ISO shipping containers were capable of meeting all examined sections of the National Construction Code, Queensland Development Code, and Bundaberg Regional Council policies with suitable modifications. It was also found that shipping containers decommissioned due to errors in labelling, door handle and locking mechanisms, or forklift pockets and rail corner protector recesses would be suitable for use as housing. The study further establishes the minimum modifications to an ISO shipping container required for its repurposing as housing. It also suggests changes to the analysed building codes which may facilitate the use of decommissioned shipping containers as Class 1a housing.
These findings establish the legality of using decommissioned shipping containers as Class 1a housing in ideal circumstances according to the most recent Australian building codes. This study also aids the wider construction field by providing a baseline for housing requirements in Australia. It further serves as an entry point for additional research into the field of repurposing decommissioned shipping containers to use as any class of housing in the Australian context.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Goh, Steven |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Oct 2025 21:57 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Oct 2025 21:57 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building code; housing; shipping containers |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52996 |
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