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In what sense are they flimsy? They can support a few more (loaded) containers on top of them, so... fifty tons roof load?

If you're worried about impacts on the side walls, I'm pretty sure your tent is going to be even more flimsy. Your temp wood structure might well be, too.

So how are they flimsy?

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They are only strong at specific points, namely the corners and to a lesser extent, the edges. If you have a load on top, or an impact on the sides, they deform easily and that can cause structural collapse.

In situations where people bury the containers, they often have to weld in additional squarestock steel pillars and ceiling joists to improve the structural integrity of the roof, and the pillars often add needed support to the walls that face substantial forces from the weight of the earth

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