Data Centre Efficiency: Spotting Clashes Early

15 January 2025

Efficiency and attention to detail are critical to keeping complex construction projects on track and within budget. One small oversight can spiral into costly delays and significant rework. That’s why proactive clash detection is a game-changer, as demonstrated on a recent data center project.

Spotting the Problem Early

During a routine site inspection, our Field Application Engineer identified a significant discrepancy: mechanical ducts had been installed approximately 280mm longer than specified in the design.

The longer ducts would inevitably clash with brackets meant to support the electrical cable trays, which had yet to be installed. With the Unistruts already positioned for the drop rods, the clash was unavoidable if left unaddressed.

Swift Action Prevents Delays

Recognizing the potential impact, the issue was immediately escalated to the general contractor (GC) and onsite contractors responsible for the installation. Additionally, a detailed report was prepared to present at the upcoming QA meeting and shared with the client. This swift communication ensured everyone involved was informed and aligned on the next steps.

Thanks to this proactive approach, corrective actions were taken promptly. The brackets remained as originally designed, allowing the containment installation to proceed as scheduled. By addressing the issue early, we avoided:

• Reinstallation Delays: Preventing the need to reposition brackets ensured there was no disruption to the construction timeline.
• Costly Redesigns: Avoiding changes to the design drawings for both the brackets and the containment they hold saved valuable resources.
• Onsite Inefficiencies: Keeping everything aligned with the design eliminated confusion and maintained workflow efficiency.

The Bigger Picture

This case highlights the importance of proactive clash detection in modern construction. By identifying and resolving discrepancies before they escalate, we can:

• Minimize delays and associated costs
• Maintain the integrity of design specifications
• Ensure seamless coordination between trades.

At the heart of this success was a commitment to collaboration and a sharp focus on quality control. It’s a reminder that small actions, like diligent inspections and timely communication, can lead to big wins for project efficiency.

Why Proactive Process Are Key to Success

Construction projects, especially data centers, demand precision and proactive management to meet tight schedules and budgets. This incident underscores the value of having skilled professionals onsite who can spot issues early and act decisively.

By leveraging proactive clash detection, this project stayed on course, avoided unnecessary costs, and upheld its design integrity. Efficiency in action, indeed.