Construction Criteria

A data center requires more precise control over temperature, relative humidity, airflow, electrical capacity and reliability, and contaminants than a typical office environment, and these criteria must be considered throughout the design and construction process. Construction projects are expensive and the construction of controlled data center areas is more expensive than most projects. Despite the pressure of deadlines and to keep within budget, it is important to avoid cutting corners or settling for inferior workmanship even if it will meet code.

A key point here is to design toward your criteria (RLUs, power, HVAC, etc.) for the data center. If your budget will not allow you to implement the results of this design, redefine the criteria and/or scope of the data center.

The following should be kept in mind when planning the construction details.

Construction Materials

All building materials should be chosen with concern for cleanliness and moisture retention. Choose materials that won't shed particulate matter or deteriorate. Close attention should be given to materials for the areas of direct airflow and foot traffic, and to materials that require repeated movement in the normal operations of the room. Certain materials that might shed particulate should be cleaned and treated. Ceiling tiles should have a vinyl or foil face to provide a moisture barrier and prevent the tiles from dropping particles when they are moved. All supply plenum surfaces should be constructed of appropriately treated materials, such as encapsulated concrete, or galvanized or painted metals.

Some materials retain moisture, cause rot, and release particulate. Also, water is an excellent conductor of electricity and presents a grounding and shorting concern.

Materials used in a Class 100,000 clean room would be ideal, but would significantly increase the cost.

Construction in an Operational Data Center

Construction projects occurring in an online data center require additional time, planning, and expense, but precautions are essential for uninterrupted operation. Panels and other items should be pre-cut and drilled outside the center to minimize contaminants.

When the work must be done inside the area, it should be done in such a way to contain or arrest contaminants and particulates. Plastic sheeting should be used to isolate the work space from the rest of the controlled area. Portable filter systems can be used to arrest particulates in the air, but these are only effective in localized areas. If the construction includes drilling or sawing, vacuum units equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration should be used to collect the dust.

Isolating Construction Activity

If access doors must be kept open due to construction traffic, temporary barriers should be built to isolate dust, stabilize air pressure and temperature, and preserve security. Similar barriers might be necessary if the outer walls are breached during expansion of the area perimeter.

Preserving Environmental Integrity

If raised floor tiles must be removed, make sure that there will be adequate subfloor pressure levels for proper air distribution. Also, if the construction will in any way affect the environmental support equipment, make sure the air conditioning and humidification needs of the center are not significantly compromised. In these situations, redundant HVAC units might be necessary.