Atlanta Data Center: Strategic Adaptation for Client Service
Flexibility
Adapted in real time to geotechnical discoveries that impacted building designs and the planned foundation type
Strategic Decision Making
Leveraged an understanding of construction timelines and the local industry to recommend precast concrete as the building material
Client Service
Supported our client with design updates during their transition to a multi-phase, multi-building approach with three stories instead of two
In Metro Atlanta near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, our team provided structural, civil, traffic engineering, landscape architecture, and air quality studies for a new data center site.
Navigating Geotechnical Challenges
From the early days of the project, we operated as a trusted advisor to the client, evaluating building structure materials and selecting precast concrete based on construction timelines and local availability. Designing the foundation was one particularly intricate challenge. The building’s projected weight required a deep foundation system supported by bedrock—however, the bedrock varied in depth and position across the site.
We partnered closely with the geotechnical team to evaluate the transition zone from areas that would allow support on shallow rock via strip footings and spread footings to areas with deeper rock where a pile system was required, ultimately providing designs for both conditions. To resolve this challenge, our team communicated with the client and other project partners daily to adapt the design and foundation type based on real-time data from the field.
Flexible Support for Structural Success
Originally planned as a single two-story, two-million-square-foot building, the client re-evaluated and opted for three buildings with three stories each, delivered in multiple phases. We managed this design pivot—supporting the end user receiving access to the first completed building within their preferred timeline. Throughout this project, we prioritized responsiveness and flexibility, helping our partners and stakeholders navigate changing circumstances to produce the first phase of a major data center site.