By: RK Mission Critical

The evolution of data center design has shifted from the traditional solution: expanding floor space to accommodate increased IT needs, to smaller component-based solutions. The two main component-based options are container-based and prefabricated modular (PFM) solutions.

Container-based data centers were the first generation of PFM data centers. Typically built using an intermodal-shipping container, they are limited by their size and construction. In comparison, PFM data centers are completely customizable to meet the needs of any organization.

The two designs share many similarities such as ease of deployment, the ability to add computing power on demand, energy efficient operation and some degree of prefabrication, but there are also many differences.

Comparison of the two models:

Prefabricated modular data centers are the best solution for growing companies. They take the best solutions for design, security and efficiency and bundle them together into an easily deployable package. The scalability of PFM data centers allows organizations to rapidly expand to match changing IT requirements. Organizations benefit by only paying for the amount of space they need when they need it, preserving capital expenditure, maximizing efficiency and resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.

RK Mission Critical is a top data center fabrication company for prefabricated modular data center solutions. Contact us for a free project consultation and additional information on the benefits of prefabricated construction at info@rkmissioncritical.com.

By: RK Mission Critical

HISTORY OF DATA CENTERS

Since the late 1990s, when data centers became mainstream, to now, companies struggle with:

1. Building their own data centers from the ground up
2. Leasing space in an existing data center
3. Buying or leasing an existing building and renovating it

Each of these options comes with some drawbacks. Companies that build their own data centers often experience sticker shock when they realize the hard costs involved, such as acquiring land in a suitable location, hiring an experienced construction team to build the facility and investing in the right mechanical, electrical and security systems. Weather and other construction-related delays often lead to budget overages and missed deadlines. In addition, executives have to make an educated guess as to how much capacity they will need over the next several years making growth or reduction difficult.

Organizations that outsource their data center needs don’t always fare better. Finding a data center provider in the right location is often a challenge. Some IT teams want their technology assets in close proximity to their organization’s headquarters. There are also concerns that moving to an outsourced data center means having to use pre-set technology and vendor services from the data center provider, making customization impossible.

Another challenge with outsourcing data center needs is that IT teams have very specific location requirements. For example, data centers should be located away from certain industrial operations or commercial flight patterns. Plus, not all data center providers are created equal, so finding an experienced partner with the right infrastructure and systems in place is also challenging.

Some enterprises lease or purchase existing buildings and perform tenant improvements to transform them into data centers. One benefit of this approach is that they don’t have to build the structure themselves, which saves money and shortens timelines. However, since these structures are not purpose-built to serve as data centers, there are often physical limitations that force the enterprise to compromise their standards. Finally, leasing a building exposes enterprises to rent increases as well as the possibility of being pushed out by their landlord.

MODULAR DATA CENTERS ALLOW FOR GROWTH

Modular data centers, or what the industry often refers to as prefabricated modular (PFM) data centers, are the solution to traditional data center downfalls. Using the same technology and components found in traditional data centers, PFM data centers are constructed in a climate-controlled facility with mechanical and electrical systems integrated prior to shipment, as well as varying levels of the IT stack. The data center components are then transported to the customer site and assembled like building blocks that accelerate the construction schedule while providing potential cost savings. The resulting data centers are fully self-contained, weather-tight and only require utilities and network connections.

High costs, capacity and systems limitations found in traditional data centers have caused enterprises to turn to PFM data centers for their flexibility and scalability. Compute space, power and cooling are matched to current IT demands, so organizations only pay for the facilities they need at any time. And as IT demands change, modules can be added like building blocks. This keeps IT and facilities continually aligned without risk of over- or under-investing in data center resources. Finally, some PFM data centers are technology and vendor agnostic, so IT teams have the freedom to use any technology suppliers they choose without fear of vendor lock-in.

RK Mission Critical is an expert in prefabricating modular data centers. We construct the major components in our quality-controlled fabrication shop, then quickly assemble everything at the customer’s site. This not only accelerates the construction schedule but can also offer financial benefits over traditional construction. Contact us for a free consultation on the many benefits of prefabricated construction at info@rkmissioncritical.com.

By: RK Steel

Steel canopies are durable, attractive, versatile and offer a convenient way to create a sheltered space. They can also provide significant cost savings as they only require concrete piers rather than full concrete slabs. Steel canopies can be built as freestanding structures or as add-ons to existing buildings and have a variety of uses.

Why Steel Canopies?
Wood canopies require significant ongoing maintenance and have been known to fail in severe storms. They can be costly to build and are not portable. Tent canopies can be great for a temporarily shaded space outdoors but lack durability and will quickly deteriorate after repeated exposure to the elements.

• Steel canopies have clear advantages over wood or tent canopies.
• Steel is naturally fire retardant. It has an extremely high melting point and will not contribute to the spread of a fire. In addition, fireproofing material is often applied to exposed steel surfaces to provide an additional hour of integrity and escape-ability during a fire before failure begins to set in.
• Steel provides high strength and durability making it capable of withstanding heavy winds and snow loads.
• Steel shapes allow for greater spans.
• Steel is 100{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b} recyclable and has an endless life cycle that does not reduce its strength or durability making it an excellent environmental choice.
• Steel canopies can be portable and used for both indoor and outdoor functions.
• While steel does have the potential to rust over time, it requires much less maintenance than its counterparts. Weathering Steel, Grade A588, A606 or Cor-Ten, is designed to rust when exposed to the elements and eventually seals itself for a rustic look over time which eliminates the need for painting.

What Purposes Can Steel Canopies Serve?

• Steel canopies can be attached to existing buildings to provide additional shelter over loading zones, extended waiting areas or building entrances and exits. A feature that will be appreciated by customers during inclement weather.
• Canopies can also provide shade from the sun which can decrease business utility costs and increase customer comfort.
• Drive-through passageways, such as service windows can be improved with steel canopies, keeping money, food and customers dry during a storm.
• Covered parking can provide vehicle protection from the hot summer sun and harsh winter conditions.
• They can be used for outdoor coverage of existing tennis courts, basketball courts and batting cages.
• Farmers can use steel canopies to store hay and equipment away from the elements.
• They offer a non-combustible way for gas stations to cover pumps and protect customers from sun and rain.
• They can be built as shelters for picnic areas.
• Lean-tos, shacks with an inclined roof which are supported on one side by a tree, post or building, are another option for weather protection in rustic environments.

RK Steel is an expert at fabricating and installing steel canopies for Balfour Beatty, Denver Transit Partners and the Regional Rail Stations providing protection from the elements for riders awaiting the next train. These particular canopies (pictured above) were 40′ long and installed as an assembly to reduce costs. RK Steel prefabricates canopies in a climate controlled shop to ensure that on-site installation will be smooth. Contact us at rksteelestimating@rkindustries.com to discuss your steel canopy needs.

By: RK Electrical 

When you compare light-emitting diode (LED) lights to conventional lighting methods, you’ll find that LEDs are the smartest solution. LED light bulbs bring together positive and negative charges to create energy which is then released in the form of light. The result is a fast source of light that is instantaneous and reliable.

Top 10 Benefits of LED Lights:

1. Long Life: LED lights have an exceptional life expectation. They can last up to 11 years with continuous operation, or 22 years with part-time operation. In other words, if you leave a LED light on for eight hours per day, it would take twenty years before needing replacement.
2. Energy Efficient: LEDs are estimated to be up to 90% energy efficient when compared with traditional lighting sources. This means that nearly all of the electrical energy is converted to light, while a minimal amount is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat.
3. Eco-Friendly: LED lights are free of toxic chemicals and are completely recyclable. Most conventional fluorescent light bulbs contain materials that are dangerous for the environment and are not recyclable.
4. Minimal Emissions: LED lights produce little infrared light and close to no UV emissions, which makes them highly suitable for materials that are sensitive to heat. They are also great for UV-sensitive objects, such as those in museums, for example.
5. Design Flexibility: LEDs can be combined in any shape to produce efficient lighting. They can be dimmed–resulting in a dynamic control of light, color and distribution–which can be used to affect mood.
6. Focus: LEDs can be designed to focus their light to a specific location, but can also be used for multi-directional ambient lighting.
7. Instant Light: Once turned on, LED lights come to full brightness without requiring time to warm-up. This is particularly helpful with traffic and signal lights.
8. Unlimited Switching: LED lights can be switched on and off frequently without affecting their lifespan, emissions or instant brightness. Traditional lighting can take several seconds to reach full brightness and switching them off and on frequently reduces their life expectancy.
9. Low-Voltage: A low-voltage power supply is sufficient for LED illumination, which makes them easy to use in outdoor settings with a solar-energy source. This is very useful in remote or rural areas.
10. Durable: LEDs are extremely durable rugged and resistant to shock, vibrations, external impacts and extreme temperatures.

LED lights are available in a variety of colors, which makes them adaptable for use in almost any environment or lighting situation. They are offered in base colors such as red, green, blue and amber and can be blended together to produce millions of other color options as well.

RK Electrical can perform LED lighting retrofits on nearly any type of facility that will lower your energy usage and save on utility costs. Retrofits often yield utility company rebates and tax deduction incentives for building owners. Lighting upgrades in commercial facilities average a project payback period of a little over two years, with up to a 45% return on investment.

RK’s Energy Audit and Savings Program can also significantly decrease operating and equipment costs while increasing facility value. Our program includes:

• Project assessment including energy and facility audits
• Recommendations regarding equipment and utility improvements
• Evaluation of cost savings to validate our service plan
• Off-balance sheet financing options available
• Performance agreements with guaranteed savings

Visit our web site for more information or contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com to discuss your electrical needs.

By: RK Mechanical

Working outside during the winter can leave construction workers susceptible to hypothermia, frostbite or trench foot, a decaying of the feet due to prolonged cold and wet conditions. In extreme cases, workers without proper personal protection equipment can also suffer shock that could even lead to death. Not only do workers need to stay warm and dry to prevent health risks, but it’s also important to eat properly, stay active and keep an eye on coworkers.

Productivity is often delayed due to harsh weather. So, work hours should be scheduled during the warmest part of the day. Below are some recommendations to stay warm, healthy and safe during the winter season.

Winter Clothing and Layering Reduce Injury Risks

Clothing should be selected to suit temperature, conditions, duration of the activity and location. Wearing proper clothing and layering can reduce sweating and the risk of injury. It’s best to avoid cotton material, as once it gets wet from rain, snow or sweat, it will begin to extract heat out of the body. Some alternate material choices are fleece, wool, Thinsulate, nylon and polypropylene. Weather can change rapidly, therefore it is important to plan and dress accordingly.

The top nine types of clothing to wear while working in the cold:

1. Thermal insulated coveralls
2. Thermal polyester underwear
3. Fleece or wool liner for hard hat
4. Insulated gloves, mittens should be worn for extreme temperatures below -17 degrees
5. Wrap-around eye protection
6. Scarves
7. Thick socks: layer two pairs to stay warmer longer, but avoid a tight fit which restricts circulation
8. Insulated boots
9. Waterproof/windproof external layers

Warm Break Areas Help Re-energize

When spending long hours exposed to the elements, a warm area to rest will help workers warm up and re-energize. Breaks are of the utmost importance, but without a warm and comfortable place to rest, breaks can be useless. For long-term construction projects, setting up a warming shelter is a must. Temporary tents with portable heaters can be used for smaller projects.

Incorporate a Buddy System to Stay Safe

Avoid traveling or working on your own unless someone knows your route and estimated time of return. Workers in frigid weather can show signs of uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech and erratic behavior. Keep an eye on your peers to help them stay safe.

If a co-worker is showing early signs of Hypothermia, like uncontrollable shivering, apply these treatments to help:

• Provide them with a warm drink or hot food to quickly restore body heat
• Keep them moving to increase blood flow and warm the body
• Provide an extra layer of clothing or blanket, if available, to prevent further heat loss

If more severe signs are present, such as slurred speech or erratic behavior, call for emergency help right away. While waiting for help to arrive, provide warm drinks, extra layers and heating blankets, if available.

Hydration and Good Snacks are Important in the Winter

• Hydration is very important in the winter. Drinks with caffeine and alcohol should be avoided, as they restrict blood vessels and impede the body’s ability to heat itself. Make sure to consume lots of water and non-caffeinated hot beverages, such as decaffeinated coffee, tea or hot chocolate throughout the day.
• Several snacks throughout the day are better than one or two heavy meals. The best choices are carbohydrates such as bread and bagels as well as cheese, butter and meats which add fat content to keep your body warm.

Save Your Skin from Freezing Temperatures

• Apply skin cream to exposed skin to help avoid frostbite and ward off hypothermia.
• Equipment with metal handles and bars should be covered by thermal insulating material and designed to be operated with proper grip using mittens or gloves.

It’s especially important to stress these simple points to people who may not be accustomed to cold temperatures. Holding safety meetings to help workers identify the signs and symptoms of cold-related illness and injuries and training them how to prevent and treat these injuries can save lives.

At RK, we take safety seriously and empower our employees to stop work if unsafe conditions exist. We encourage our employees to take responsibility for their own safety, as well as that of those working alongside them. Working responsibly in cold weather is no exception.

RK assesses how every aspect of our work integrates to improve your project. From conception through completion, we streamline the process while maximizing value. The combined skill set of our seven business units makes us the region’s most powerful single source for mechanical contracting, custom manufacturing, steel fabrication, prefabricated construction, facilities services, electrical work and water treatment solutions. If you would like to know more about our safety procedures or have questions about what we can do for your business, contact us at communications@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Energy

Colorado Resolution 35 is a quality program that applies to factory-built, non-residential structures. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing, Standards & Technology section enforces compliance with the standard.

A factory-built, non-residential structure is one that is designed for commercial, industrial or other non-residential use and is made, fabricated, formed or assembled in a manufacturing facility for installation or assembly and installation on a foundation at the building site.

All fabricated non-residential structures that are manufactured, sold or offered for sale in the State of Colorado must display the Colorado Resolution 35 quality program seal, which is issued by the state. This seal certifies that the structure has been constructed in compliance with applicable codes and regulations adopted by the State Housing Board. It is required even for small structures which would otherwise not be except to operate the controls or maintain equipment.

Failure to comply with the rules and regulations outlined in the program can result in a Prohibited Sale Notice and, possibly, a Red Tag Notice being posted on the applicable structure. These notices state that the structure may not be sold or moved without prior written approval from the Division of Housing. A Prohibited Sale Notice means that the structure contains a violation. A Red Tag Notice indicates that there is a life threatening violation present. In both cases, the structure must be corrected and re-inspected for a fee before the tags will be removed and the structures can be sold.

The Colorado Resolution 35 quality program is a useful plan for businesses that need more than a simple management system but less than full compliance with ISO:9001. The quality program for compliance with Colorado Resolution 35 is considered an intermediate construction-grade management system.

For information about how RK Energy can ensure that your factory-built, non-residential structures will comply with Colorado Resolution 35, contact us at rkenergy@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Water

The water treatment industry is evolving to reduce the use of chemical treatments and eliminate some products that are no longer viable given today’s environmental legislation as well as corporate sustainability initiatives. Facilities, as well as Facility Operators, need solutions to keep up with the times.

As government regulations continue to become more stringent, water treatment programs must adapt. New technologies that provide greener, safer and sustainable solutions are becoming more readily available to help meet these regulations. One such technology, the Silver Bullet® system, is gaining traction as a viable way to reduce traditional chemicals as well as kill microbiological agents through natural processes.

RK Water has achieved positive results, reducing liquid chemistry by over 80{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b}, using the Silver Bullet system with clients that are seeking sustainable water treatment solutions for HVAC evaporative cooling (comfort cooling) or process cooling, particularly in industries including high-tech, financial, education and government.

Corporate sustainability is a growing trend and now impacts many business decisions and purchases. Many big-name corporations, like Google, are ISO 14001 certified as well. ISO 14001 is a set of standards to help organizations minimize their impact on the environment during the process of how their products or services are produced.

Whether an organization’s goal is LEED points, reducing environmental impacts and carbon footprints or reducing water usage and waste, Silver Bullet can be a key component of a sustainability program. It can help a facility reduce biocides and large containers of inhibitor, and also reduce the logistics, transportation, storage and liability issues that are inherent with chemical-based water treatment.

If your facility has ever experienced a chemical spill or leak, you know how excruciating it can be to conduct a clean-up. It’s worth considering the Silver Bullet system as an add-on to your current water program. A water system with reduced chemicals not only helps achieve sustainability goals but is also safer for people.

If you have questions or want RK Water to conduct a water treatment evaluation to improve your entire water system and help your company go green faster, contact Dan Inman at Dan.Inman@rk-water.com.

By: RK Electrical

Switchgear is the framework used for managing, protecting and isolating electrical circuits and equipment and includes things such as disconnect switches, fuses, circuit breakers, off-load isolators and more. It is high-powered electrical equipment which must be maintained properly in order to ensure a reliable electricity supply.

Switchgear Prevents System Damage and Service Interruptions
During normal operation, switchgear allows generators, transmission lines, distributors and other electrical equipment to switch on and off. However, when a short circuit occurs on any part of a power system, a strong current flows through the equipment, threatening damage and interruption of service. Switchgear is designed to detect these types of faults and disconnects the unhealthy section from the rest of the system to prevent further damage.

Testing, Inspection and Planned Maintenance Help Avoid Dangerous Risks
Malfunctioning switchgear can be dangerous. A blown circuit box can cause a power outage, resulting in downtime that may require a maintenance professional to repair or replace the equipment. Switchgear and breaker malfunctions can also cause major fires, explosions resulting in injury or facility closure. Therefore, switchgear testing, inspection and a planned maintenance program is essential. Switchgear which is labeled “maintenance-free” still requires testing and maintenance.

Identify Potential Issues by Cleaning and Torqueing Switchgear
By scheduling a planned system outage to clean and torque switchgear, your organization can help identify electrical issues, reveal flaws and reduce the risk of potential system failures. This process includes correcting any electrical drawing inconsistencies, torqueing connections, cleaning and inspection, performing tests, planned or unplanned repairs and system upgrades. It is recommended to perform this service every three years.

RK Electrical can perform switchgear maintenance operations and make repairs and adjustments to help you avoid emergency repairs. To schedule cleaning and torqueing maintenance for your switchgear contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Steel

Did you know that China currently produces almost half the world’s steel? According to The Street, this is a large increase from the 10% they produced a decade ago. At that time, the U.S. was producing 14% of the world’s steel; now we only produce 4%.

For the past two decades, China has needed an abundance of steel for urbanization; constructing bridges, buildings and rail lines for its immense population. However, with China’s economic growth slowing down, its need for steel has followed suit. Similarly, the rest of the world’s demand for steel slowed due to a diminished global economy.

In an effort to keep its position as the top steel producer, China is now overproducing. In a single month, China produces enough steel for all of the cars made in the world last year. Nine out of the ten largest steel producers in China are state-owned. While these companies are selling steel at a loss, the Chinese government is subsidizing steel production and is demanding state-owned banks to regularly refinance the debt. This subsidy allows Chinese steel producers to export at lower prices than other countries, also known as dumping. Steel dumping has caused U.S. steel prices to drop by nearly half from 2014 to 2015.

While lower steel prices are good for buyers, they’re not good for producers. Dumping has impaired the steel industry worldwide. In recent years, many steel plants have been forced to close around the globe. The largest steel company in the U.S., U.S. Steel Corp., lost over a billion dollars in 2015 and reduced its workforce by a quarter.

There is no doubt that the U.S. steel industry has also been hurt by imports of steel from China. The U.S. passed a trade enforcement bill in March that resulted in a 266% tariff on steel imports from China. These tariffs have made Chinese steel too costly for U.S. buyers, resulting in less demand. However, these tariffs do offer a great benefit to U.S. steel producers who can now raise their own prices.

According to the Wall Street Journal, shares of U.S. Steel Corp. have more than doubled this year as domestic prices and mill utilization have climbed while imports of steel goods from trading partners have dropped by 34% this year.

Some argue that U.S. mills are taking advantage of the tight market and that the price hikes are too high and have happened too quickly. This is putting pressure on other industries within the U.S. who use steel to produce goods. Diminished inventories are now affecting the supply chain. Average delivery times have increased from 3 ½ weeks earlier this year to over 6 weeks. As a result, manufacturers that buy steel from U.S. mills say they are scrambling for steel to meet project deadlines.

America’s top two steel companies argue that prices have merely returned to normal, where they should be when steel is fairly traded.

The majority of materials that RK Steel purchases and utilizes are domestic-made. While our vendors do import some materials for miscellaneous and odd-sized items, they typically source their materials from mills within the U.S.

Our team of experts wants to know what you think! Are the U.S. imposed tariffs good for the overall U.S. economy? Contact RK Steel today at rksteelpurchasing@rkindustries.com to further the discussion.

By: RK Mechanical

Large-scale construction requires collaboration across numerous disciplines. It’s rare to find a contractor who has the capability to perform multiple trades in-house. For the successful execution of a project, effective planning is essential. From project conception to completion, construction teams must consider zoning, scheduling, budgeting, bidding, safety, transportation of materials, logistics and much more.

Trade-Specific Roles and Responsibilities

The architect designs and develops construction drawings including structural, electrical and mechanical requirements, interior design and lighting. Their final drawings are detailed and include specifications and materials for a construction manager to estimate the total cost of the project. During construction, they monitor work and submit new drawings if changes are made. They also prepare final acceptance documents at the completion of the project.

Construction engineers direct construction projects. They handle everything from the design of the construction project to making sure that everything is going as planned on-site.

General contractors are responsible for providing all of the necessary material, equipment, labor and services for the construction of the project. They typically hire special trade contractors to perform all or some of the work.

Mechanical contractors* install and maintain technologically advanced and energy-efficient HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing and piping systems. The following trades fall under mechanical contracting:

Plumbing: Plumbers install and maintain pipes and mechanical systems for water supply, gas, drainage, sewerage and HVAC systems.

Piping: Pipefitters fabricate, assemble, maintain and repair large high-pressure piping systems.

Sheet Metal: Sheet metal workers install HVAC ductwork and related work.

Construction laborers perform a variety of tasks from erecting and restoring structures, maintaining stormwater, drainage and sewerage systems to excavating, clearing and leveling sites. Laborers are skilled workers who are proficient with pneumatic tools, hand tools, blasting and smaller heavy equipment.

Carpenters and joiners construct, erect, install and renovate structures and fixtures made of wood, plywood, wallboard and other materials and cut, shape and fit the parts to form structures and fittings.

Electricians* specialize in electrical wiring of buildings and equipment. They design, assemble, install, test, diagnose and maintain electrical systems and equipment.

Glaziers are responsible for measuring, cutting, installing and removing glass for windows, doors, mirrors, shower doors, skylights, display cases, facades, interior walls, ceilings, tabletops and more.

Heavy equipment operators operate heavy machinery such as cranes, hoists, lifts and winches to lift, move and place materials, equipment and people onto building and construction sites.

Insulation installers are responsible for all insulating materials, protective coverings, coatings and finishes to mechanical systems.

Ironworkers* fabricate and erect structural steel and other metals as well as repair metal products using various welding techniques. They also position and secure reinforcing bars and mesh which are used to reinforce concrete.

Landscapers create or renovate outdoor spaces by planting lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs. They also construct hard landscaping features such as paths, patios and decks.

Masons are skilled in brick laying and concrete finishing which includes pouring and finishes concrete for floors, stairs, ramps, footpaths, bridges and more.

Painters are responsible for the painting and decorating of buildings which includes the application of paint, varnish or wallpaper to protect and decorate surfaces of structures.

Plasterers apply plaster and fix partitions, suspended ceilings, fire rating systems, acoustic tiles and apply decorative and protective coverings of plaster, cement and similar materials to the interiors and exteriors of structures.

Roofers specialize in roof construction including the application of materials such as tiles, sheets and shingles that weatherproof buildings.

Tilers lay various types of tiles on external and internal surfaces, such as walls and floors, to provide protective and decorative finishes.

With the large number of diverse trades that may be involved in a construction project, establishing collaboration is particularly important. All large commercial projects are likely to involve the coordination of complex information, procedures and systems.

RK gives construction, commercial and industrial customers a reliable, single source for mechanical and electrical contracting, custom manufacturing, steel fabrication, prefabricated buildings, facilities and equipment maintenance and water treatment solutions. For more information about what RK can do for your next construction project, contact sales@rkindustries.com.

*RK has professionals who specialize in these fields that are available to collaborate with you on your next construction project.