CASE STUDY
Structural Engineering Solutions, Data Center
Modular Stack Skid Value Engineering, Multi-State Structural Compliance & Rapid Response Engineering Support
A data center skid client needed structural engineering support across three distinct challenges: over-engineered skid designs driving up cost and weight, multi-state seismic compliance requiring anchor standardization, and critical production deadlines demanding same-day engineering decisions. Avant Leap delivered on all three fronts without compromising structural integrity or code compliance.
From over-engineered to optimized, compliant across state lines,
and stamped in 24 hours.
When data center skids are deployed at scale across multiple states, structural engineering has to do more than pass calculations, it has to keep production moving, costs controlled, and every jurisdiction satisfied. Avant Leap provided end-to-end structural engineering support covering value engineering, seismic compliance, and real-time fabrication decisions.
Cost Tier Reduced Per Unit
Stamped Package Delivery
Production Delays Due to Engineering Bottlenecks
Case Studies
CASE STUDY 1
Modular Stack Skid Value Engineering
Challenge
The initial skid designs were over-engineered with complex connection details, driving up material weight, fabrication costs, and labor time, while limiting scalability for mass production across multiple state jurisdictions with varying seismic requirements.
Solution
Avant Leap ran comprehensive value engineering analysis using RISA and STAAD Pro, evaluating three design alternatives. The optimized design used standard W12X and W6X15 wide flange sections with simplified shear plate connections, reducing steel without compromising structural integrity, and delivered state-specific PE-stamped calculation packages for regulatory compliance.
Result
Structural complexity dropped from premium Option 1 to optimized Option 2 configuration, resulting in significant reductions in steel tonnage per skid, fewer labor hours through simplified connections, and a standardized design deployable across multiple states with site-specific anchor calculations.
CASE STUDY 2
Multi-State Structural Compliance
Challenge
Deploying data center skids across states with different seismic demands produced different required anchor sizes per location, creating a procurement and fabrication problem. The client needed one unified anchor specification that satisfied every jurisdiction without oversizing everywhere.
Solution
Avant Leap delivered site-specific seismic analysis using actual GPS coordinates rather than zip code defaults, correcting SDS values per EOR specifications, and verified that a single 1/2" epoxy stud anchor satisfies governing uplift demands for all deployment locations. PE-stamped packages were produced for each state jurisdiction.
Result
One anchor specification standardized across all sites, streamlining procurement, simplifying fabrication, reducing SKUs, and achieving full regulatory compliance in every deployment jurisdiction.
CASE STUDY 3
Rapid Response Engineering Support
Challenge
The client faced simultaneous urgent engineering needs: a full structural package needed to be reviewed, calculated, stamped, and delivered within 24 hours, a new skid variant with an additional transformer required immediate structural verification, and a steel vendor's proposed connection substitution needed same-day seismic evaluation to keep fabrication on schedule.
Solution
Avant Leap deployed a rapid-response engineering model delivering the complete stamped structural package within 24 hours, same-day RFI evaluations approving tapping screws for non-critical connections while maintaining original bolt specs for jacking and rigging assemblies, and multiple-hour turnarounds on grounding plate and weld adjustments, all with clear safety rationale.
Result
Zero production delays due to engineering bottlenecks, all customer delivery deadlines met, and fabrication decisions made in real-time without compromising structural integrity or seismic compliance.