Our confidential client planned for the expansion of its Silicon Valley campus by introducing a new, highly energy-efficient data center. This up-to-date mission-critical facility, spanning two floors, was designed to provide small- and large-capacity deployments. The project relied on modular construction, incorporating all the customer’s data center principles. This would allow the facilitation of common design elements regarding space, electrical power, and cooling, reducing capital costs and predictable long-term maintenance.
In the initial phase, the data center introduced about 61,000 sq. ft. of colocation space. The expansion enabled seamless campus cross-connectivity to other facilities, making it a perfect location for those seeking interconnection with prominent network and cloud service providers. The project was initially built to accommodate 1,450 cabinets, with the potential for more cabinets in future phases. After all phases were completed, the facility has a total capacity of 2,950 cabinets.
Our confidential client’s primary objective was to cater to numerous enterprise partners and customers. When working on this state-of-the-art project, the most significant challenge for VEC experts was to develop robust 3D models of electrical systems to assist the customer in improving its business performance and offering digital transformation initiatives for businesses.
VEC's experienced professionals played a crucial role in the data center project from 2020–21 by providing world-class electrical BIM & VDC services, mainly focusing on power, lighting, fire alarm (FA), and telecom system modeling. By utilizing BIM, we ensured precise information and document management, enabling the customer to benefit from our 3D models even after the construction phase. That also meant effective facility management going forward.
VEC created accurate and detailed as-built native Revit models which were free from unnecessary clutter or extraneous files and included drawing sheets and linked reference documents. These models encompassed final approved and validated field changes, specific construction details, and unique client-defined parameters.
Our electrical BIM & VDC services cover power, lighting, and telecom system modeling. Also, the VEC team created a thorough BIM Execution Plan and shared it with all stakeholders to provide them with the correct understanding and management of relevant BIM deliverables.
Meanwhile, 3D systems’ models are vital to ensure their proper performance after construction due to the opportunity to detect and eliminate clashes quickly. That also strengthens project coordination as all parties get these 3D models and realize how the systems will be constructed on-site. After all, creating a unique environment that will offer student-centered learning is only possible with valuable BIM data and efficient cooperation between all contractors.
VEC’s specialists deliver exceptional civil underground services for this educational project. They encompass various tasks such as 3D modeling, project management, BIM coordination, civil underground wet & dry (VDC), and onsite technology work. We have effectively utilized BIM software solutions such as Revitzo, Revit, and Navisworks throughout the project.
Our experts promptly document all design-related issues using PDF Markups and propose relevant solutions, including fittings and pipe length adjustments. Besides, we have created installation drawings to ensure accurate implementation in alignment with the plans. Lastly, our team performed essential tasks such as 3D laser-scanning, reporting on deviations from the current conditions, developing as-built models and drawings, identifying clashes, etc.
"It's amazing how fast and how much the bluff has receded over the last year. To capture and analyze this data opens my eyes to what this technology can be used for."
"It was a pleasure working alongside AECOM to analyze the corrosion of the bluff using Laser scanning Technology and Drone Photogrammetry. The data we captured is essential as it will provide insight into the stability and safety of the bluff."