Automated Data Processing: Mainframe

by WBDG Staff

Last updated: 05-25-2007

Overview

The Automated Data Processing Center for Main Frame System (ADP Mainframe) space types is a facility for "vertical" data processing equipment including dense frame and rack-mounted processing systems with critical uptime requirements. ADP Mainframe space types include facilities for true mainframes, and for dense server farms including RISC and Pentium-based servers arranged on vertical racks of equipment.

Space Attributes

Typical features of ADP Mainframe space types include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.

Functional / Operational

• Occupancy: ADP Mainframe spaces fall under Business Occupancy B2, with Sprinkler protected construction. The GSA Acoustical Class B2 for spaces with concentrations of noisy equipment.
• High raised floors: Raised floor is the preferred system for distribution of critical services (power, voice, data, and HVAC) in ADP Mainframe space types. Raised floors for ADP Mainframe may have low-pressure, high induction diffusers and be constructed of concrete filled metal pans at 24" modules with pedestal and stringer support, with intermediate support.
• Technological connectivity: Conduit and outlet boxes are installed for fiber-optic main horizontal and vertical backbone system and T-1 communication lines for web servers.
• Dual path service lines for power: Dual path service lines ensure a constant power supply, which is critical to the operations of ADP Mainframe.
• HVAC with redundant components: Computer equipment operates within specific ranges of air quality, temperature, and relative humidity levels. Significant variations of these levels in the ADP Mainframe environment could cause disruptions in equipment operation and decrease the life of the equipment. To ensure proper operation of the ADP Mainframe spaces, redundant mechanical systems with service provided 24 hours per day and humidity control are typically installed. Separate thermostat controls should be provided in each room, even in areas of 24-hour operation, which can be overridden by the building automation system. Also, copier rooms, printer rooms, and service units should have 100% direct exhaust to maintain good indoor air quality. For more information, see WBDG High-Performance HVAC.

To control environmental temperature disparities and avoid downtime, a Best Practice is to use rows of equipment racks in an alternating arrangement of "cold aisles" and "hot aisles." See also Alternating Cold and Hot Aisles Provides More Reliable Cooling for Server Farms by Robert F. "Dr. Bob" Sullivan. The Uptime Institute: 2000.

Productive

• Acoustic control: Sound baffles are provided at all acoustically rated partitions for the air supply system to control noise.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Typically, emergency power and uninterruptible power are provided to meet all electrical requirements of the entire ADP Mainframe facility for at least 30 minutes. For more information, see WBDG Productive—Assure Reliable Systems and Spaces.

Secure / Safe

• Security protection: All exterior windows to computer spaces, including tape room, teleprocessor room, mainframe room, DASD farms, server farms, and test rooms to be glass block. For more information, see WBDG Secure / Safe—Provide Security for Building Occupants and Assets.

Example Program

The following is a representative building program.

ADP (MAINFRAME)

Example Plans

The following is representative of typical tenant plans.

Example Construction Criteria

For GSA, the unit costs for ADP Mainframe space types are based on the construction quality and design features in the following table (PDF 49 KB, 4 pgs). This information is based on GSA's benchmark interpretation and could be different for other owners.

Relevant Codes and Standards

The following agencies and organizations have developed codes and standards affecting the design of ADP Mainframe spaces. Note that the codes and standards are minimum requirements. Architects, engineers, and consultants should consider exceeding the applicable requirements whenever possible:

• GSA P-100, Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service
• International Building Code

Major Resources

WBDG

Building Types

Educational Facilities, Federal Courthouse, Health Care Facilities, Land Port of Entry, Libraries, Office Building, Research Facilities, Warehouse

Design Objectives

Functional / Operational—Ensure Appropriate Products / Systems Integration, Productive—Assure Reliable Systems and Spaces, Secure / Safe—Provide Security for Building Occupants and Assets

Project Management

Building Commissioning

Publications

• Architectural Graphic Standards, 10th Edition by Charles Ramsey, Harold Sleeper, and John Hoke. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000.
• P-100, Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (GSA)
• GSA PBS Design Notebook for Federal Lobby Security Design
• LEED® Cost Study (GSA)
• LEED® Applications Guide (GSA)