the Project stats

the Project study

The primary purpose of the new Data Center is to ensure safe, reliable 24/7 operation of the campus computer servers and to accommodate complex mechanical and electrical equipment that provide uninterrupted service to CMU faculty, staff, students, and off-campus personnel.  The facility is designed to ensure that the elements do not affect the normal operation of the Data Center.  The facility is an unmanned standalone facility.  This new building consists of new mechanical, electrical, structural, plumbing, civil, and architectural work.

The Data Center is 5,374sf and the open-air generator yard comprises 2,515sf.  The open-air generator yard contains two outdoor diesel generators with base-mounted diesel fuel tanks meant to provide a backup power system for the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) load and for the cooling equipment, and to accommodate the remainder of the building loads.

The structural portion of the Data Center included construction of a new one-story structural steel, column bearing structure.  The building is of steel roof framing with a concrete slab on metal deck.  It accommodates mechanical units contained within a metal screen wall.  Pad footings for generator equipment surrounded by a freestanding screen wall were constructed adjacent to the new building.  A portion of the screen wall and equipment pads are located above the campus’ steam tunnel expansion loop.  The building and masonry screen wall are capable of resisting winds of up to 120mph.