FRP Applications in the Data Center Construction Sector
Last year, there were nearly 12,000 data centers worldwide, and thousands more are being built now. The increase in demand for cloud computing and other trends led to a 46% YoY increase in the number of data centers being built in 2023. This area of construction is set to hit $11 billion in 2024. With so much demand for this infrastructure and the need to rapidly build high-performing and easily maintainable facilities, the topic of building with advanced composite materials is of interest.
Modern Materials Make Sense for Today’s Data Centers
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) has a great deal to offer the architects and structural engineers who design these spaces and construction companies that do the heavy lift of installation. Concrete is heavy and has many limitations in how it can be designed in and deployed beyond the design of simple spaces and shapes. Metal (also a very heavy material) can be used in a wider variety of applications, but at the cost of intensive ongoing maintenance and the potential for a shortened useful lifespan due to corrosion and other environmental effects.
In contrast, FRP is highly versatile and can be used over and over across many applications in a data center without concerns over costly and time consuming maintenance.?High quality FRP is exceptionally long lasting and can help reduce the overall lifetime costs of data center infrastructure.
Key FRP Benefits for Data Center Design & Construction
#1 Low Lift for Installation
FRP is lightweight which makes it very affordable to transport. It is also easy to install in the field. Except for rooftop applications that may require the use of a crane, this material can typically be maneuvered into place by two workers without the use of any heavy machinery.
Unlike concrete, it does not require delays in construction to allow time for curing or drying. In contrast to steel and other metals, it can be cut with hand tools and requires no welding or specialized skills. These factors dramatically reduce the time to build structures such as generator platforms that typically take days to install using other materials.
#2 Light Maintenance Requirements
FRP has a long life cycle with low maintenance costs. Its resistance to corrosion is one reason. For example, there is no need to paint, treat, sandblast, or scrape the material to prevent or remove rust. Because of its light weight (less than half the weight of steel), it is easy to remove for access below floor level when needed.
#3 Open Mesh Design
FRP grating materials enable free airflow and can be used in areas where maintaining a cooler temperature is critical. The open format of mesh grating also makes it suitable for walkways and other areas to remove standing water and reduce slip and fall risks. The surface is slip-resistant and can include additives that increase grip, making it much safer than concrete or metal when wet or oily.?
#4 Electrical and Fire Safety
As an electrically non-conductive material, FRP is a smart choice for electrical enclosures and in other areas where high voltages create a shock hazard. This feature makes it ideal for access platforms, stairs, ENC fencing, screening, enclosures, and barriers.
FRP has low thermal conductivity and is fire retardant as well. Most Fibergrate? products are engineered to have a flame spread rating of 25 or less, as tested in accordance with ASTM E-84, and meet the self-extinguishing requirements of ASTM D-635.
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#5 Strength and Resilience
With its high strength-to-weight ratio, FRP is safe to use as flooring, work platforms, and walkways, including rooftop applications and accessways. Heavy-duty FRP grating can also be used for traffic-rated utility trench covers that need to withstand vehicular traffic on a daily basis.?
FRP from Fibergrate? has a high impact resistance and is not prone to bending, cracking, or breaking. Resistance to chemicals and corrosion makes FRP a solid choice for applications such as water supply systems and even substation oil containment.?
#6 Attractive Acoustic Properties
FRP acoustic or sound barrier walls can help reduce the transmission of noise from data center generators into surrounding areas, creating a more comfortable working environment and shielding nearby areas from noise pollution.
Example of Data Center FRP Use Case: Transformer Bund Grating
FRP grating can be mounted on pedestals which are adjustable to achieve the desired height. This type of installation requires no additional trench lip or structural supports and can be used when bund floors are not equal heights throughout.?
What FRP Products Are Popular for Data Centers?
High-performance products that meet the design and engineering requirements for data center construction include:
Each of these products has multiple uses in today's data centers.
Want to collaborate with expert FRP engineers in designing these products into your data center?