Structural Design in Data Centers

This chapter provides an overview of the risks to buildings and contents due to natural hazards. It addresses design considerations for critical buildings that may exceed those needed in the typical commercial building. Earthquake effects (ground motion, ground failure, and tsunamis) probably have the greatest impact on data centers, followed by wind loading including hurricane, typhoon, and tornado. For structural design purposes, U.S. building codes and standards group buildings into Risk Categories that are based on the intended occupancy and importance of the building. The risk study should focus on assessing the building's risk to life safety, damageability, and potential loss of function with respect to any significant natural disaster that may be present at the site. For existing buildings currently in the company's inventory that do not meet the facility standards, there are four options: Retrofit, Replace, Insure, and Accept.