Texas Data Center
To secure and hide HVAC and other systems, Smith Commercial Contracting of Houston utilized Bedford FRP screenwall panels.
Challenge
Security is essential to data centers. Attractive designs are important to the community, and visual and noise reduction are required by city ordinances. Cost efficiency, of course, is crucial to everyone. In addition, data centers include a large amount of metal materials and electricity, so reducing corrosion and using nonconductive materials was desired for the construction of the screenwalls. To meet all needs with one solution, Smith Commercial Contracting turned to screenwall panels made from Bedford fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP).
Solution
Smith Commercial Contracting had worked with Bedford PROForms® structural shapes, PROGrid® molded grating and PROGrate® pultruded grating on other projects, including modular platforms, so they knew FRP screenwall panels would cover the nonconductive and corrosion-resistant needs. After doing research, their structural engineers were also confident that the Bedford screenwall panels had the strength to handle the stress of security fences 100′ or more in length and that FRP would meet the city’s sound reduction requirements without the need for additional insulation.
With screenwalls required on the roof and also some perimeter areas, the light weight of Bedford FRP screenwall panels simplified installation. No hot work was needed, and the installation crew didn’t have to keep a crane onsite for weeks to move materials. Installation went quickly, the data center and the city approved, and the screenwalls have been in place for two years without any issues.
The data center is just one of many Texas projects featuring Bedford FRP. Read about how FRP was used on the University of Houston Parking Garage.
