In today’s era of rapid technological advancement, new-generation data and information technologies such as cloud computing and big data are transforming urban development and becoming integral to daily life. Amid the ongoing normalization of the pandemic, the online economy and remote work have surged. Data centers, as the primary infrastructure supporting data informatization, play a critical role in housing data center equipment. The design of data center industrial parks has evolved beyond traditional methods, with Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology offering expanded possibilities throughout their entire lifecycle.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a 3D digital technology-based model that collects pertinent engineering data. Design teams use BIM to integrate data processes and resources across various stages of a building’s lifecycle, applying relevant technical methods in the design of data center industrial parks. BIM technology enhances architectural integration, improves design quality and efficiency, and helps minimize costs.
1. Project Overview
Huacang Cloud Computing Nanjing Smart Industry Park is situated in Gaochun District, Nanjing City, near major roads Cangxi Road and Daiwei East Road. The project covers approximately 246,100 square meters, including 242,800 square meters above ground and about 3,300 square meters underground. The park’s land is an irregular rectangle with flat terrain, surrounded by complete municipal infrastructure such as power, communication, water supply, and convenient pipeline access.
Huacang Communication leverages the industrial park to provide foundational support for nationwide interconnected transformation and applications. The data center, power center, and operation and maintenance center within the park demand highly coordinated architecture, structure, and mechanical-electrical systems. BIM technology is employed to facilitate collaborative process design during the planning phase. Throughout construction and operation, a 3D information model is established using Revit software’s visualization, parameterization, and other functions to intuitively present plans and design concepts. This approach enables detailed model analysis, continuous iteration, and precise design, improving system energy efficiency, reducing consumption, and promoting the development of a green, low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and intelligent energy ecosystem. The goal is to build a one-star benchmark green data center industrial park.
Application of BIM Technology
BIM technology is a vital tool in designing next-generation data centers, providing a unified visual model platform that integrates architecture, structure, and mechanical-electrical engineering. After iterative calculation, analysis, modification, and confirmation, structural components can be synchronously retrieved across architectural and equipment disciplines within Revit. This facilitates information sharing on a 3D platform and supports subsequent clearance analysis and pipeline collision detection. BIM technology comprehensively supports the design, construction, and operation stages throughout the lifecycle of Huacang Cloud Computing Nanjing Smart Industry Park.
2.1 Design Phase
During the design of Huacang Cloud Computing Nanjing Smart Industrial Park, BIM technology’s visualization, collaboration, and refinement capabilities were leveraged. The focus was on spatial optimization, structural model creation and sharing, collision detection and pipeline integration, graphic data linkage, and real-time updates.
The complex spatial layout of the data center moved away from traditional 2D CAD designs by adopting BIM-based spatial simulation. This refined spatial design optimizes floor layouts, enhances process flow efficiency, and maximizes space utilization, laying a foundation for scalable and flexible future space planning and operations. Corridors also house pipelines for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems. Using BIM to simulate corridor pipeline arrangements allows adjustment of equipment pipeline heights to satisfy clearance requirements and operational needs without altering the building’s total height, enabling more rational design choices.
Loading the central BIM model file allows sharing component position elevations and grid levels with relevant professionals. Beam, column, and wall node information exported from this central model supports structural calculation and analysis. The structural BIM model is then completed based on these results. Dimensions, lengths, materials, and other component data in the BIM model can be imported into specialized structural design software like Yingjianke, which further exports to finite element analysis tools such as PKPM, MIDAS, and SAP. Through iterative verification and adjustments with Revit models, detailed structural floor plans are finalized.
Mechanical and electrical equipment modeling is based on architectural and structural BIM models. BIM’s real-time visualization creates a 3D environment during design, enabling precise pipeline placement. Collaborative testing between disciplines quickly resolves pipeline collisions, providing clear conflict visualization, reflecting actual pipeline connections, improving design quality and efficiency, and preventing costly construction rework.
Maintaining consistency between BIM models and construction drawings is critical during the design phase. Relevant disciplines base their work on architectural models, coordinate with others, and directly generate 2D and 3D drawings suitable for construction. Cross-sectional drawings are easily and accurately produced by setting profile lines on plans, speeding up output compared to manual drafting. Collaborative workflows among disciplines prevent discrepancies in drawings. At the construction drawing deepening stage, BIM models generate comprehensive support, hanger, and beam casing drawings, enhancing drawing efficiency, ensuring smooth construction, and shortening project timelines.
To be continued
Source: Architecture and Culture, Issue 2, 2022, pp. 44-45
Authors: Zhou Tianfan, Zhang Haiyan, Wu Dajiang, Zhang Runze
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