Underground shelters

[Texas Patriot]

But why go there? (shipping containers). There is other material that can be used that is cheaper and more secure, for underground shelters. For above ground, shipping containers are fine, but bury them, and they cause more problems than they solve.

My above list assumes a nuclear/biological threat bunker.

I figured the cost of using bricks and concrete. For the amount of square footage we need, the containers were actually the lesser expensive route to go.
The only reason we even decided to go underground was for the out of site out of view and because we have had several very high wind experiences that did not leave us too comfortable with the possibilities of being above ground.
We have played out a lot of different scenarios and concluded this was our best option.

 

[Brent S]

I figured the cost of using bricks and concrete. For the amount of square footage we need, the containers were actually the lesser expensive route to go.
The only reason we even decided to go underground was for the out of site out of view and because we have had several very high wind experiences that did not leave us too comfortable with the possibilities of being above ground.
We have played out a lot of different scenarios and concluded this was our best option.

I didn't do the math for anything larger, but for a smaller size the concrete and rebar was way less.

 

[Texas Patriot]

What size sq. footage are you figuring?

 

[Brent S]

What size sq. footage are you figuring?

I did an 8'x10' for right at 1000.00 so far in materials. I still need to make the doors, seal the inside and put up shelving, but have most of the materials for that allready.

 

[Texas Patriot]

Nice job! What is the primary purpose for this?

 

[Maverick]

If anyone does decide on an underground shelter make sure you also have several portable handheld marine based air horns, if for what ever reason someone gets trapped in an underground bunker use the air vents in the bunker and the air horn to alert of any distress, this should be first thing shown of any show and tell visitors and your permanent party, if you can get some halon extinguishers or an alternative such as the newer halocarbon based agents (providing your underground bunkers ventilation system is still intact)

 

[Brent S]

I wanted a cool place to store all the foods and wines I've made, that didn't need electricity. So the root cellar is the primary function, but the bonus of an emergency storm shelter is a big plus. You can look up my thread on the construction of it under underground shelter/root cellar. I posted picts all along so far, and will continue as I finish it, inside and out.

 

[Brent S]

If anyone does decide on an underground shelter make sure you also have several portable handheld marine based air horns, if for what ever reason someone gets trapped in an underground bunker use the air vents in the bunker and the air horn to alert of any distress, this should be first thing shown of any show and tell visitors and your permanent party, if you can get some halon extinguishers or an alternative such as the newer halocarbon based agents (providing your underground bunkers ventilation system is still intact)

Really good idea, safety is never overdone. I've been considering several options, such as tools to break out if the exit is closed, I'll have plenty of food and water, blankets to keep warm, etc. the horn, or two, will definately be on the list. I really wanted an escape tube, but just didn't have the funds for it. I really think two entry/exits would be wise if you can swing it.

 

[Gazrok]

I figured the cost of using bricks and concrete. For the amount of square footage we need, the containers were actually the lesser expensive route to go.

Did you factor in the cost of the men and equipment to transport the containers and place them precisely in place?

Simply put, these containers weren't made for it. (being underground). You're also going to need some welding equipment and skill to use these, and you'll have to buttress them heavily before putting any dirt around or on top of them.

Another option to look into is corrugated metal pipe (what many shelter companies use).

Just seen way too many caving in underground bunkers made from these containers. (like the ones pictured earlier in the thread)....

 

[Brent S]

Did you factor in the cost of the men and equipment to transport the containers and place them precisely in place?

Simply put, these containers weren't made for it. (being underground). You're also going to need some welding equipment and skill to use these, and you'll have to buttress them heavily before putting any dirt around or on top of them.

Another option to look into is corrugated metal pipe (what many shelter companies use).

Just seen way too many caving in underground bunkers made from these containers. (like the ones pictured earlier in the thread)....

I wish I could find some used corrugated pipe! I've seen lots of commercially made shelters from them, but they would make a great escape tube too.

 

[Gazrok]

Could check with local construction companies. Never know if they'll have some left after jobs, etc., that they could turn around for a profit.

 

[Brent S]

Could check with local construction companies. Never know if they'll have some left after jobs, etc., that they could turn around for a profit.

I kind of miss working around construction. You'd be amazed at what they throw away at the end of a job. My son brought me 4 large boxes of tek roofing screws, the really good ones. Theres about 400.00 worth of hardware they overestimated and were throwing in the dumpster! He is an electrician and brings me some stuff occasionally. Recently he told me about two pallets of extra brick that they dropped in the dumpster. They told him it was cheaper than taking the time to return it. I really hate waste!

 

[Texas Patriot]

Did you factor in the cost of the men and equipment to transport the containers and place them precisely in place?

Simply put, these containers weren't made for it. (being underground). You're also going to need some welding equipment and skill to use these, and you'll have to buttress them heavily before putting any dirt around or on top of them.

Another option to look into is corrugated metal pipe (what many shelter companies use).

Just seen way too many caving in underground bunkers made from these containers. (like the ones pictured earlier in the thread)....

I have been planning and researching this for many years now. When I do a project, it is not done without looking at every angle, option, and possibility.

 

[psalm 7]

I think the containers are a good idea for storage but not for a underground shelter . I am planning on a cement and block shelter dug into the side of a hill with drain lines under it to keep ground water from seeping . It will be alot smaller than a shipping container but will serve its purpose . If you have room a container could be placed in a trench that is angeled to drain down hill and you could not see it from a distance for storage or shelter .

 

[Brent S]

One of the good things about a container is it's pretty secure. I've seen padlock boxes on them that you can't get bolt cutters to, so there a good deterrent to thieves. If you build a pole barn over it to keep the sun off it may help with heat buildup too.

 

[Kenprep1979]

So, so much to consider in an underground shelter....

1.) Bringing in (and filtering) air. Getting out CO2.
2.) Waste Disposal (both human and just trash)
3.) Water storage
4.) Food storage
5.) If cooking or heating, how to vent smoke...(ironically, microwave may be best here)
6.) Medical supplies
7.) Blast door (and opening in, in case way is blocked by debris)
8.) Escape route (one way opening)
9.) Hiding the outside entry/exits
10.) Radiation shielding (metal, soil, concrete, etc.)
11.) Decontamination area
12.) Communications
13.) Above ground radiation detectors
14.) Room for people
15.) Plan for animals?
16.) Weapons and defenses (if found)
17.) Sanitation in general
18.) Entertainment options
19.) Lights, power options

just wanted to mention that when cooking you usually dont need ventilation because most range hoods actually are only for catching the steam/grease from your cooking and do not vent to the outside!

 

[Gazrok]

just wanted to mention that when cooking you usually dont need ventilation because most range hoods actually are only for catching the steam/grease from your cooking and do not vent to the outside!

True, but in an underground shelter, where oxygen is a factor...you don't want to be caught trying to figure out how to deal with smoke! Not to mention CO2 emissions.

 

[psalm 7]

Under ground its MRE's and junk food . Short term only unless its radioactive fallout you are hideing from . Watch a low budget movie called Aftermath I think Roni said he saw it too .

 

[Brent S]

True, but in an underground shelter, where oxygen is a factor...you don't want to be caught trying to figure out how to deal with smoke! Not to mention CO2 emissions.

I think underground is for storage only, just not sure if i want to live like a hobbit.

 

[Gazrok]

Talking more of a temporary shelter standpoint. Like for radiation to die down, etc. (or even a long, bad storm)