CHALLENGE
A large data center project in Virginia’s Data Center Alley required miles of electrical
conduit, including duct banks that needed to be installed on a tight, strict timeline. In
addition to time, the data center customer insisted on performance materials and cost
efficiency.
The contractor, Rosendin Electric, is an expert in below-ground data center installation,
but this was the first time installing large quantities of fiberglass conduit. Specs for the
comprehensive installation included 25 miles of 4”, 5” and 6” heavy wall 90s for medium
voltage telecom and house transformer duct banks.
SOLUTION
The data center customer evaluated fiberglass and PVC conduit for the project.
Fiberglass was preferred over PVC for the following reasons:
- 66% less weight
- Lighter weight saved installation time. And because there was less time in the trench, installation was safer for installers
- At the time, fiberglass conduit materials cost almost 50% less than PVC, and labor savings was even greater
- Lead time was about 25% shorter, which helped the project stay on schedule
RESULTS
Many advantages were realized for this project including less man-power, smaller
equipment and safer installation due to the conduit’s lighter weight, fault resistance
and increased distance between supports. Additionally, prefab assembly by Champion
Fiberglass® helped shorten the installation process tremendously.
Pre-assembled duct banks were delivered, then the lightweight duct banks were easily
placed into the trench with a forklift, something that would not have been possible with
heavier PVC conduit.
This project also involved a high level of customer support. Champion Fiberglass provided
installation guidance for the contractor to become familiar with fiberglass conduit for
installation. Champion Fiberglass regularly goes the extra mile for customers, and there
were many touchpoints including conference calls, samples and customizations.
The project concluded with these results:
- The project was completed on-time and on-budget
- Total labor savings was 60%
- A 63% increase in productivity over PVC