Structural Concerns Specific to Data Center Design

Floor loading (superimposed live load) shall be a minimum of 7.2 kPa2 (150 lbf/ft2) with 1.2 kPa (25 lbf/ft2) hanging dead load (weight that can be supported from the underside of the floor or roof). This floor load is adequate for most data center areas.

1.2 kPa (25 lbf/ft2) hanging dead load, the recommendation in this standard is a uniform load of 12.0 kPa (250 lbf/ft2) with 2.4 kPa (50 lbf/ft2) hanging dead load to provide flexibility in the location of higher floor loads such as large storage arrays, printing facilities, and densely populated blade server cabinets.

In specific regions of the access floor area where this equipment is located, the structural engineer should be notified of the specific operating weights.

Floors for battery rooms should be designed for a minimum superimposed live load of 12.0 to 23.9 kPa
(250 to 500 lbf/ft2).

Roof areas over battery rooms should be designed to support a minimum suspended dead load of 1.4 kPa
(30 lbf/ft2).