A leading technology company underwent a campus consolidation project that included the build-out of 10,000sf of new computer lab and storage areas and the decommissioning of three occupied buildings. The project required intense coordination and communication between the entire AEC team. The team utilized building information modeling (BIM) software to work out the MEPS systems being installed. A high density cooling approach was utilized for cooling in the critical lab environment.
System Cooling Process
The new mechanical systems added 6-inch chilled water lines and another level of mechanical equipment in a horizontal plane, making the coordination effort more complicated than in the standard approach. Utilizing BIM, the team designed the placement and layout of all MEPS overhead equipment virtually before they implemented it in the field. This was extremely important to accurately manage the cooling required to support the high density cooling requirements of the new lab space.
In addition, power upgrades were required to accommodate the mechanical infrastructure. This includes the construction of a new electrical infrastructure including switch gear, transformers and distribution panels. The new mechanical system included the installation of CRAC units, Liebert XD refrigerant base cooling modules including XDP which is the interface behind the pumped refrigerant and the building chilled water plant. Structure Tone also installed XDVs which are above cabinet mechanical cooling units, connected to the pump refrigerated infrastructure.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Benefits
The 3D imaging was very important during preconstruction because we were able to identify constructability issues and incorporate solutions into the bid documents. During the subcontractor bidding phase, visualization and clash detection of the complete design was a necessity, allowing subcontractors to price numerous layers of equipment integration. This resulted in a more efficient trade coordination effort, and a reduction in change requests and, ultimately, a successful project.
