Title: Floors
Course: 2016FA-MCO-110-401 > Section: Module 11: Data Centers

Click here for a downloadable version of this document:(EXTERNAL) Floors

Floor Systems

Floor systems refer to the different components and designs within a data center space. This is often is further defined as “whitespace” since most flooring systems are white/light-colored.

"Tile Lifter in Use Raised Floor" by Jonathan Lamb, Wikimedia Commons is in the Public Domain

- Raised Access Floors are very common and refer to flooring systems that are elevated typically from 18 – 48 inches above the slab. This allows for under-floor cooling and/or space to run power conduits or other piping.
- Loading refers to the weight limits of the flooring system. Raised floors have limits depending upon the stanchion design and floor tile construction, but even concrete slabs have limits to the weight of equipment that can safely rest on them.
- Bridging is the practice of installing angled covers over cabling or other components running across floors so that equipment, carts, etc., may be easily and safely rolled over them as well as serving to eliminate trip hazards.
- Ramps into and out of data center spaces are vital for elevated areas since most technology infrastructure needs to be rolled around on pallets.
- Vented Access Flooring can be considered a modification of raised floor wherein the entire underfloor is not treated as a cooling supply plenum, but rather ducting is run to design spots and vented into the space, much like in residential construction.

Objectives met:
- C11
- 11.10
- 11.11