Schaefer designed the foundation + structural support for a new 3500 sq ft fire training facility. The permanent structure consists of three stacked shipping containers that mimic a home’s layout with rooms, stairs + balconies with training features like burn rooms + pitched roofs.

Each container was modeled in SAP2000 to evaluate vertical, lateral + fire training loads. Because container stacking transfers all loads through the four corner posts, we designed custom baseplates and spread footings, and reinforced select rails using standard steel shapes where loads exceeded their capacity. Openings for windows, doors, and training access points required added framing and close coordination with the owner.

To resist wind + seismic forces, we used custom meshing to transfer lateral loads to new door + window frames, and welded some original openings shut to serve as shear walls.

Schaefer has designed similar projects across the nation including in Ohio + Washington.