Structural Ecosystem for

Modular Data Centres

July 2016

Entire contents protected by Copyright. US and International Patents Pending

Tight stacking and racking of precision modules
reduces equipment footprint and cable length,
eliminates exposed interconnections and enhances
thermal management
Because the VectorBloc system makes it easy
to design and build inexpensive, stackable,
rackable modules of any transportable size
and load-carrying capacity, designers of
modular data centers are no longer limited by
the dimensions of an ISO container
The range of possible
VectorBloc module
configurations is endless

High-strength HSS is used

for frame construction,
delivering exceptional
rigidity
The VectorBloc
structural connector
delivers the strength
required for multi-
story, seismic
structures
and
the precision that
ensures interoperable
modules which
connect easily and
accurately at the site
High strength,
precision-
machined steel
castings include
connection points
that make it easy
to connect
modules to each
other and to
foundations, as
well as simplifying
the addition of
cladding, stairs,
etc.
Module locating pins
Precision
and gusset platesis
interconnection
ensurefrom
done accurate
inside
vertical
the modules,
and horizontal
so
alignment
groups of modules
of modules
are easily joined
with no space
between them.

Since access to the

outside is not
required, cladding
can be completely
factory installed and
modules ship
weather-tight
The structural
assembly
procedure is
straightforward.

Modules are
rigged and
hoisted using the
locating and
shear pin which
projects from the
top face at each
corner
Once set in place,
the shackle is
removed and
modules are
joined laterally
with a gusset
plate
The gusset plate
is held down with
flat head screws,
locking the
modules
together, creating
a level setting
surface for the
next module, and
exposing the
locating pins
Each layer of
modules is
positioned within
.015” by the
precision-
machined
locating pin
High strength
bolts tie the
module down
against seismic
and wind forces
Adjacent
modules are set
following the
same procedure
Precision
modules deliver
flat floors
with tight seams
Whether by
reverse
engineering or
starting from a
clean slate,
VectorBloc
designers create
customized,
easily-assembled
flat pack chassis
kits that suit
customer
equipment
To ensure interoperability among multiple
VectorBloc-based suppliers to a common site,
chassis kits are built in precision fixtures

3D VectorJig
located at
VectorBloc
Fabricating,
Harrow, Ontario,
Canada
Flat pack chassis kits can be shipped from
VectorBloc Fabricating to fitout plants located
anywhere in the world
Shipping flat-pack chassis
kits is economical
Pre-cut, pre-drilled decking
is supplied by VectorBloc or
by the customer
Equipment is easily
installed on the pre-
prepped skid base
To keep the work area clear,
columns are installed after the
equipment
Temporary shipping
braces or permanent
structural braces are
added as required
The ceiling and overhead cabling trays
are installed next. The completed
structure acts like a bridge truss, resisting
shipping and stacking loads
Cladding is installed last and can
be completely closed up for
protection against precipitation
and dust
Modules hoist
from the top,
eliminating
hoisting lugs
which interfere
with adjacent
equipment and
add to load width
Completed modules
with equipment
installed are shipped
to the site.

Equipment loads
well over 100 tons
can be
accommodated by
VectorBloc
structures
Foundations are
prepared in advance

If required, stanchions
or a grillage is installed
on the foundation
Modules from multiple
suppliers arrive on site
Parasolid design
delivers CG to
crane operator,
VectoRig halo sets
modules level
Fixed locational grid and sling-free
hoisting reduces crew size and pick
time
Modules from supplier
#1 are set
Modules from supplier
#2 are set
Modules from supplier
#3 are set (circulation
plenums)
Precision locating pins
and gusset plates
ensure accurate
vertical and horizontal
alignment of modules
Modules from supplier
#4 are set (cooling
units)
VectorBloc supports
stacking to
14+ stories
The stand-alone
data centre or
data center
annex is
completed
quickly and easily
The result is
equipment
arranged logically
in the densest
possible
configuration,
without exposed
interconnections
View of
connecting
hallway ceiling
View of circulation
plenum
VectorBloc can also be used
for a variety of related
structures such as pipe and
cable racks, towers, etc.
High-Completion, High Density
Volumetric Modular
Construction For Data Centers