Data centers demand high-performance infrastructure, especially when it comes to coordinating complex electrical systems. These mission-critical facilities often involve strict technical requirements, fixed routing constraints, and the need for speed and precision.
ENG’s Electrical BIM team was recently tasked with one such challenge on a large-scale data center project, where they needed to design conduit runs connecting outdoor Unit Substations (USS) to indoor Data Hall racks. In this case study, we’ll explore how ENG leveraged BIM for Data Center conduit coordination, delivering a constructible, scalable, and prefab-ready solution through modular planning, close client collaboration, and advanced detailing strategies.
Challenges of BIM Conduit Coordination in Data Centers
One of the project’s most complex aspects was designing the conduits to run from the exterior to the interior of the data center without clashing, considering fixed entry and exit positions.
In parallel, ENG’s team collaborated with the manufacturing company to propose, adjust, and validate the supporting structure that would carry the conduits throughout the building. As a result, these constraints created a high coordination complexity requiring precision and flexibility.
ENG’s Electrical BIM Solutions for Conduit Coordination in Data Centers
1-Full BIM Design from Scratch
Given the size and scale of the installation, spanning the entire Data Hall, and the fact that prefabrication can take longer than the initial modeling effort, ENG began by designing the modules from the ground up. Key considerations included:
- Defining conduit sizes, bend radius, and total angle configurations
- Selecting conduit types and fittings appropriate for the environment
- Establishing exact start and end points for each run
- Planning efficient conduit routing to avoid conflicts
- Coordinating steel structures between design and fabrication teams
- Ensuring consistent spacing between support elements
Consequently, starting from scratch ensured the model was fully constructible and aligned with both fabrication and field installation needs.
2-Modular Standardization with BIM
ENG used a modular BIM layout to simplify design and speed up fabrication. Furthermore, the electrical team standardized conduit modules that were reused throughout the design wherever possible. Additionally, when adjustments were necessary due to field constraints, they were kept minimal, preserving consistency and reducing the volume of one-off details. This approach enabled:
- Faster modeling iterations
- Simplified drawing production
- Reduced risk of coordination errors
3-Color-Coded Spools for Prefab Efficiency
Optimizing spool design was key in improving field installation and reducing labor hours. ENG’s Electrical BIM team strategically placed couplings along conduit runs to keep spool lengths under 20 feet. This also helped avoid bends that could complicate handling during installation.
ENG assigned an ID to each unique spool and visually differentiated using color coding in the BIM model. Through the arbitrary assignment of colors associated with the name of each spool and a filter system developed withing each template, the electrical BIM team helped field teams quickly identify which spools were identical or unique. This minimized errors and sped up installation.
4-Daily Coordination to Accelerate Delivery
Ongoing communication was essential for success. ENG conducted daily BIM coordination meetings with the client to ensure constant alignment. These sessions allowed the team to:
- Validate entry/exit requirements in real-time
- Adjust structural support elements as needed
- Identify and resolve clashes before they impact the field
- Maintain design integrity across disciplines
The outcome was a highly responsive process that preserved design intent while adapting quickly to evolving field constraints.
Project Outcomes: Streamlining Data Center Conduit Prefab with BIM
ENG took a proactive approach to coordination and standardization. This led to significant reductions in production time, cost, and complexity.
Results included:
- Over 3,700 total spools modeled
- Only 378 unique spool sheets required (~10% of total)
- Streamlined fabrication and simplified logistics
- Faster installation and reduced rework in the field
The combination of modular design, color-coded spools, and constant collaboration made delivering technically complex conduit modules feasible under demanding conditions.
Key Takeaways: The Value of BIM in Data Center Conduit Coordination
Ultimately, this project shows how strategic BIM implementation, prefab thinking, and close client collaboration can simplify even the most technically demanding conduit assemblies. By designing from scratch, standardizing with modular logic, optimizing prefab, and maintaining daily alignment with stakeholders, ENG delivered a group of modules that were both buildable and repeatable and efficient to fabricate and install.
As data centers grow in complexity and scale, BIM for data center conduit coordination will remain a critical enabler of smarter infrastructure, transforming the way in which the electrical discipline is designed, documented, and delivered.
