Data Center World, the leading data management infrastructure conference, gathered tech and building experts to discuss the most critical issues, challenges, and solutions facing today's data center industry: sustainability, market speed, and preparing for artificial intelligence demand.

Conference highlights include keynotes from Bill Kleyman (Data Center World Program Chair and CEO of Apolo, an AI Platform and Infrastructure Company) on driving data center innovation and Rian Bahran, Ph.D. (Assistant Director for Nuclear Technology and Strategy for White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) on nuclear energy solutions; both emphasized the importance of designing future-proof data centers with sustainability in mind.

After a week's worth of sessions and workshops, we have narrowed it down to three critical solutions Fibergrate products can help optimize data center construction efficiency.

Using FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) as a steel substitute for structural data center applications to increase overall data center sustainability:

FRP is created by weaving or layering fiberglass strands in a resin matrix, offering a unique combination of properties that make it durable and high-functioning even under pressure. Regarding material weight, FRP is up to 75% lighter than steel and offers significant advantages in transportation, construction, and energy efficiency—indirectly reducing carbon emissions. Lightweight properties make FRP less costly to transport than steel. Installation is easy to handle on-site and eliminates the need for hot work and cranes, reducing labor costs.

Using FRP as a steel substitute to increase data center structural resilience:

FRP corrosion resistance makes it an ideal choice for data center locations in remote, harsh environments where steel is likely to rust and decay. Steel succumbs to corrosion in harsh environments, requiring costly, time-draining maintenance and replacements. Using FRP for applications exposed to certain elements ensures savings over the application's lifespan.

FRP offers a unique advantage for heated areas like data center white space. Low thermal conductivity keeps surfaces cool, making it ideal for areas near servers and electrical units. Steel, meanwhile, readily conducts heat, posing challenges for already heat-stressed areas. FRP, with its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and versatility, is a game-changer for data centers. FRP delivers long-term value for the data center market, and the creative engineer can unlock new design possibilities for future-proof data centers.

Using Fibergrate Services to embrace Edge Computing with custom fabrication of modular structures and rack and cage enclosures:

Innovative Design and Engineering

With over fifty years of structural engineering expertise, Fibergrate offers comprehensive engineering and design solutions. Our team consists of registered structural engineers and drafters dedicated to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions for white and grey space design challenges.

Leveraging state-of-the-art computer design and modeling technologies, Fibergrate's design team creates approval drawings tailored to your data center project needs, whether it involves custom racks, raised walkways, or modular panels. These drawings ensure that the materials meet your project specifications and allow for verification of critical dimensions, ensuring seamless integration and timely installation in your white and grey space environment. Additionally, if your project necessitates sealed drawings or structural calculations by a registered professional engineer, Fibergrate can provide these services across all fifty states in the U.S.

Full Staff of Construction Project Managers

Fibergrate provides a dedicated team of construction project managers to ensure smooth custom fabrication projects and personalized support. Our integrated approach involves close collaboration between project management, design, and engineering teams at our manufacturing facility, maintaining continuous communication with you and your local Territory Sales Managers. Your construction project manager serves as your main point of contact for updates, streamlining communication, and enhancing efficiency. Our internal processes optimize drawing turnaround times, shorten delivery schedules, and optimize on-site material handling and installation procedures.

State-of-the-Art Fabrication Facilities

Fibergrate's Fabrication Services Department offers comprehensive solutions for data center design, providing certified systems tailored to your needs. Our in-house services cover design, component fabrication, material delivery, and final construction, guaranteeing compliance with performance standards. Equipped with cutting-edge tools and equipment, our fabrication facilities excel in high-quality composite fabrication. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and engineering software, we ensure precise machine work, cutting, drilling, and coping of structural members according to fabrication specifications.

Data Center World also included a construction-focused, Data Center Build Summit

The Data Center Build Summit consisted of multiple panels of experts in data center design who presented industry updates, including those from Smith Group and Turner Construction. The consistent message throughout the Build Summit was the need to select innovative products with efficiency in mind and find ways to reduce carbon emissions during construction.

The flexibility of FRP makes it a great option for both recommendations based on concept specifications. When considering material options for a data center project, take the time to consider FRP. It might just be your solution for high performance and sustainability — and if you have any doubts, contact Fibergrate.