But building a data centre isn’t just about stacking servers. These facilities must withstand everything from power outages to natural disasters. Civil and structural engineering transform them into disaster-proof hubs, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Market stats and trends

Cloud computing, data storage, and IoT devices drive the global data centre market. Valued at USD 196.9 billion in 2023, this is projected to reach USD 464.6 billion by 2032, growing at 10.3% annually. As more businesses go digital, the demand for secure, scalable storage has never been greater.

The rise in edge computing continues to bring data processing closer to the source for faster response times. Sustainability is also a growing priority as data centres seek to cut their carbon footprint.

Regional insights

As the global leader, the US has 5,426 data centres (nearly half the worldwide total), with hubs in Northern Virginia and Silicon Valley, driven by investments from tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon.

With 529 centres in Germany and 523 centres in the UK, Europe is prioritising eco-friendly operations with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Southeast Asia is rapidly embracing digital tech, particularly in Singapore, with 99 centres and Australia, with 314 centres.

With over 11,800 data centres worldwide, demand for digital infrastructure is at an all-time high. With data centres projected to account for 8% of total US electricity demand by 2030 (up from just 3% in 2022), expansion comes with increased energy consumption.

As the world digitally transforms, designing resilient, future-proof data centres is no longer an option – it’s a necessity.

Mission-critical resilience

Data centres aren’t just buildings, they’re mission-critical infrastructure where even minor structural failures can have catastrophic consequences. A cracked concrete slab or excessive seismic vibrations can disrupt IT equipment, triggering downtime that financial institutions, cloud providers, and hyperscale tenants can’t afford.

These facilities power everything from online banking to social media, and a single outage can mean millions in lost revenue, service disruptions, and security risks, so resilience is essential.

That’s why data centres are built for redundancy – backup power systems, failover networks, and fortress-like security ensure they stay online no matter what. In an era where downtime is unacceptable, rock-solid reliability keeps businesses, services, and entire industries connected.

Civil and structural engineering

Beyond MEP systems, civil and structural engineering ensures data centres withstand extreme weather, seismic forces, and heavy loads. Designs must support evolving IT infrastructure, next-gen cooling, and vibration mitigation to protect sensitive hardware. 

Smart site selection

Location is key to long-term resilience. Choosing the right site means mitigating risks like extreme weather, earthquakes, and flooding. Evaluating flood zones, seismic risks and weather patterns helps determine viability.

Beyond environmental factors, reliable power, connectivity, and transport access are critical. Avoiding disruption-prone areas and ensuring access to skilled labour helps maintain smooth operations.

Getting geotechnical

Geotechnical assessments are conducted to evaluate soil composition, earth resistivity, load-bearing capacity, and ground stability. Strong foundations – piles, mat slabs, and soil stabilisation, prevent structural damage.

For seismic resilience, advanced solutions like buckling restrained braces (BRBs) and base-isolation technology reduce floor displacement during earthquakes, cutting downtime and improving recovery speed.

Utility access

Utility access is vital for data centre operations, as reliable power, water, and transport networks are non-negotiable. Data centres require continuous electricity, often supported by multiple grid connections and backup power systems. Water is crucial for cooling, making proximity to sustainable sources a key factor. Transport infrastructure also ensures smooth maintenance and equipment delivery.

From multiple power feeds to alternative transport routes, redundancy is essential to keep data centres running during emergencies. This is where Tier classifications come in, setting global standards for uptime and reliability. Whether it’s a basic Tier I facility or a fault-tolerant Tier IV, careful site selection and planning are key to ensuring performance and long-term sustainability.

Smart building design

A well-designed roof and facade enhance energy efficiency, cooling, and sustainability. High-performance facades and cool roofs regulate temperature, cutting energy costs. Durable, moisture-resistant materials simplify maintenance and improve longevity.

Blast resistance 

Designing data centres for blast resistance involves using engineering and materials that absorb blast forces while maintaining structural integrity. To minimise damage – integrate blast-resistant features like reinforced concrete, laminated glass, and steel from the start. 

Blast-resistant ventilation and structural redundancy ensure the building can withstand attacks and continue functioning. Testing materials and simulating blast scenarios allow engineers to enhance safety and reduce the risk of severe damage.

Managing water risks

Beyond cooling, managing flood risks is crucial. Smart site selection avoids flood-prone areas, while elevated slabs, waterproofing, and drainage systems protect infrastructure. Backup water sources and wastewater treatment ensure operational continuity.

Fuel storage tanks

Because uninterrupted power is non-negotiable for data centres, on-site fuel storage tanks are essential for backup generators. These tanks ensure operations continue through grid failures or delayed fuel deliveries, meeting strict uptime standards while reducing costly downtime. 

Modern tanks – steel for above-ground and fibreglass for underground – offer built-in safety and environmental protections, making them a resilient choice for continuous service.

Infrastructure for continuity

Data centres must be resilient. Disruptions, whether from natural events or unexpected failures, can’t be allowed to impact critical operations. That’s why designing for self-sufficiency is essential. A well-planned infrastructure ensures continuous uptime, protecting businesses from costly downtime.

Fire protection

Data centres require tailored fire protection to prevent data loss and equipment damage. Water mist systems minimise water use, while gas suppression protects sensitive electronics. Lithium-ion battery risks demand specialised safety measures. A well-designed system ensures comprehensive protection across all facility areas.

Future-proof data centres

Civil and structural engineering is the backbone of resilient data centres. As experts in data centre design – check out our international projects or chat with our team to learn how we can help you build or retrofit a robust data centre from foundation to flood protection.

Related Resources

Designing Functional, Durable and Adaptable Educational Facilities | BG&E

Designing Flexible Healthcare Facilities | BG&E

Data is One of the Hottest Commodities on the Planet | BG&E