When you hear about Data Centers, seldom do you think of Civil-Structural engineers. Word DC immediately hijacks the reader to electrical-mechanical-computer engineers. But did you know that Civil-Structural has a big part to play also in several areas of DC design and development?
Starting from site selection to finishing up anchoring all the equipment inside and outside the DC, there is plenty of things that involve the Civil-Structural engineer. Let’s start with site selection. Here is an info-graphic pamphlet for the site selection criteria based on environmental factors.
There is more than just environmental factors that affect site selection. Find out more in course coming soon.
How about checking an existing building to see if it can be retrofitted and brought to code to use as a DC?
What about the various environmental criteria to be considered for the most important items in the DC-the equipment (Computers, Racks, cabinets, PDU’s, Auxiliary equipment (battery backups, motors, chillers, heat-exchangers)?
What about equipment anchorage? Do you follow IBC or Telcordia GR-63 standard for design of equipment and its anchorage? Do you know the difference between the two? What does FEMA mention about Equipment anchorage? Do you know the 400 lb rule? If something is on wheels does it mean it is temporary and does not have to be anchored?
There is more to discuss on this topic than just one simple blog post. If you are interested in learning more, sign up to find out when the course will be published. Everyone who shows interest by signing up will also receive 15% off when the course is published. Meanwhile, you can familiarize yourself with a summary of differences between IBC and GR-63 “for free” when you sign up. As always, thank you for reading and thanks to everyone who has already signed up to my other courses. A warm welcome to students who are coming from the Civil Engineering Academy.
NOTE: Please note that the course site will be down on March 16 from 7 – 11 pm Pacific time for upgrades and site maintenance. Thank you for your patience.
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