PIPED SERVICES The grooved mechanical pipe joining method


Victaulic. “With a grooved mechanical pipe joining system, you’re working with the same set of couplings, valves, and fittings no matter where you build – streamlining procurement, installation, and quality control.” Standardised grooved modular solutions can also support sustainability initiatives. As regulations increasingly mandate heat reuse to improve energy efficiency, these systems simplify connections to district heating networks or vertical farms, for example, making heat recovery and transfer more seamless and effective.


Future-proofing infrastructure


Beyond fast project delivery and global standardisation, data centre owners need adaptable infrastructure to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. The capacity installed today may be outdated in just a few years, making flexibility a critical consideration in both cooling and fire protection systems.


provides built-in adaptability by allowing couplings to be easily removed and reused without damaging the pipes. This enables quick system reconfiguration or expansion of pipework without additional emissions, material waste, or having to cut the piping system – supporting both sustainability and cost efficiency. If no longer needed, the couplings can also be recycled, reinforcing the industry’s move toward circular construction practices. “The architecture of a data centre is constantly evolving, with server racks being reconfigured or added to meet increasing demand. Fire protection systems must be just as adaptable, ensuring critical infrastructure remains safeguarded without costly, time- consuming modifications,” Graeme says. Flexible solutions like the VicFlex Series VS1 Flexible Dry Pendent Sprinkler make it easier to adjust fire protection as layouts change. Unlike traditional dry pendants and threaded pipe drops, which require precise measurements and custom fabrication, flexible dry sprinklers accommodate adjustments on-site with minimal disruption – ensuring fire protection keeps pace with evolving data centre requirements.


Embracing new ways of working


Data centre owners typically set the design standards for their facilities, working closely with design engineers and consultants to refine specifications. However, many of the professionals involved in data centre construction come from traditional industries such as oil and gas or mining – sectors where safety, reliability, and redundancy are paramount. These industries have long- established engineering practices and, naturally, professionals tend to rely on technologies they have used for decades,


prioritising proven old solutions over reliable innovations.


The challenge, however, is that data centres operate under entirely different conditions. Speed, scalability, and adaptability are just as critical as reliability. With processing demands increasing exponentially, project teams must rethink traditional approaches and embrace solutions designed to meet the fast-moving requirements of modern data centres. “The mindset that got us here won’t take us to the next level,” Sebastian concludes. “We need to encourage a shift in thinking – one that embraces advanced technologies to improve efficiency, scalability, and sustainability in data centre construction. When you take that leap of faith, you quickly see the benefits of innovation in action.”


By integrating innovative solutions such


as grooved mechanical pipe joining and flexible fire protection systems, data centres can achieve faster installations, seamless standardisation, and future-ready infrastructure – ensuring they remain agile and resilient in the face of ever-evolving demands. Taking a holistic approach to pipework installation, from cooling to fire protection, can further streamline project timelines and enhance system reliability, helping data centre operators build with both speed and long-term flexibility in mind.


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