---
title: Engineering a high-load modular support system for data centre projects
description: Learn how Sikla modular support system, siFramo, met the complex requirements for a London data centre project to enhance efficiency and performance.
image: https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hubfs/siFramo%20modular%20support%20installed%20inside%20data%20centre.jpg
---

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## Modular Steel & Pipe Supports

Save Time – Reduce Costs

![siFramo modular support for partition walls installed inside data centre](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hubfs/siFramo%20modular%20support%20installed%20inside%20data%20centre.jpg)

# Engineering a high-load modular support system for data centre projects

By Mark Parkin on 06 November 2026

As the demand for [data centre](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/siframo-benefits-on-data-centre-projects?hsLang=en) infrastructure continues to grow, contractors face increasing pressure to deliver projects quickly without compromising on quality or performance to meeting complex technical requirements.

For a new London data centre, [Filmtek Data Solutions](https://filmtekdatasolutions.com/) required an architectural solution for dry wall office partitions and full height glazed partitions that could support significant loads and be delivered within a demanding project schedule.

The original design specified 6.4 metre steel sections; however, due to on-site constraints, another solution was required for easier transportation and handling. The support solutions also required splice connections to ensure the structural performance for the high-load application.

Having previously used our products on another project, [Sikla](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB) was chosen to analyse proposed designs and supply material for a [modular steel structural support system](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/3-sikla-systems-explained-modular-steel-solutions?hsLang=en).

### **The challenge**

As part of the buildings architectural structure, the installed modular support system was required to:

- Support heavy loads across a long span, both horizontally and vertically
- Simplify installation at a hight
- Accommodate to tight timelines
- Reduce the risk of deflection

 

The supporting structure was needed to span between long lengths while reaching heights of approximately 7 metres.

![siFramo data centre installation](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/siFramo%20data%20centre%20installation.jpg?width=352&height=469&name=siFramo%20data%20centre%20installation.jpg)![Close up Sikla data centre wall installation](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Close%20up%20Sikla%20data%20centre%20wall%20installation.jpg?width=380&height=465&name=Close%20up%20Sikla%20data%20centre%20wall%20installation.jpg)

*siFramo modular support structures installed inside the data centre*

### **The solution**

Drawing experience from a similar project several years earlier, Sikla worked closely with engineers and installers at [Filmtek Data Solutions](https://www.linkedin.com/company/filmtek-data-solutions/) to [analyse](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/modular-steel-design-3d-analysis-program?hsLang=en) and optimise the proposed designs. The project required a modular support solution that [moved away from traditional steel](https://youtu.be/ZvQ9obkoI0g?si=c0rOsEObFpiOGRcJ) towards a [lighter and adaptable system](https://youtu.be/-pIEqzDvi88?si=YXt-59u6C1CLJ9IO) that delivered the same load-bearing capacity required for high-load applications. Through close collaboration, a solution was developed to meet the projects technical, installation and time frame requirements.

Working collectively, Sikla was confident that we could supply a solution to suit the project requirements. Using the contractor’s previous knowledge helped streamline the design process and find an [off the shelf solution](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB/catalog). These steps further provided confidence that the support solution met the project requirements and Sikla’s own internal engineering standards.

To meet the structural requirements, [siFramo our three-dimensional modular steel system](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-siframo-modular-steel-system?hsLang=en) was specified. The system, developed to have the same load bearing capabilities as traditional steel but significantly lighter, provided the strength and rigidity required for the application. A traditional cold formed [channel system](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/what-makes-the-siconnect-pressix-41-channel-so-special-learn-here?hsLang=en) would not have been suitable for the application due to load requirements, higher risk of deflection and length of the steel. Due to the potential deflection of channel systems, [siFramo](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB/siframo-overview) could reduce the number of additional supports.

Using [siPlan](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/software-design-tools#siplan), our own static calculation software, the engineered designs were evaluated to verify the structural performance for the proposed application in accordance with EN 1090. This ensured the solution met both the project requirements and Sikla’s engineering standards.

The solution used [siFramo modular beams](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB/catalog?facet=SYSTEM%3A%3AVL_SYSTEME_COMMERCE_SIFRAMO&facet=TYPE%3A%3AVL_TYP_COMMERCE_TRAEGER_PROFILE%3AVL_SUBTYP_COMMERCE_PROFILE), [End Support STA’s](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB/search?text=end%2520support%2520sta&facet=SYSTEM%3A%3AVL_SYSTEME_COMMERCE_SIFRAMO), [Bracing Arms SKO](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB/p/bracing_arm_sko_f_80_hcp), [Self forming FLS screws](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/one-screw-technology-meet-the-self-forming-fls-screw?hsLang=en) and other fixings to secure the structure to the building.

As siFramo beams are supplied as standard at 6 metre beams, to achieve the required spans [profile square couplings](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB/p/profile_coupling_pk_f_80_hcp) were used to extend the beams.

![siFramo beans with square couplings](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/siFramo%20beans%20with%20square%20couplings.jpg?width=421&height=394&name=siFramo%20beans%20with%20square%20couplings.jpg)

*siFramo beams ready to be installed with square couplings*

 

All materials were supplied through [Sikla’s new Trade Counter in Milton Keynes](https://www.sikla.com/en-GB/trade-counter), to ensure the quick delivery to support the tight project timelines.

### **The result**

By closely collaborating with Filmtek Data Solutions, we were able to successfully deliver a flexible and engineered siFramo modular steel support solution that was able to support long spans and safely carry heavy architectural loads.

![siFramo modular supports with walls in data centre](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/siFramo%20modular%20supports%20with%20walls%20in%20data%20centre.jpg?width=405&height=366&name=siFramo%20modular%20supports%20with%20walls%20in%20data%20centre.jpg)![siFramo modular supports inside walls within data centre](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/siFramo%20modular%20supports%20inside%20walls%20within%20data%20centre.jpg?width=382&height=366&name=siFramo%20modular%20supports%20inside%20walls%20within%20data%20centre.jpg)

*siFramo modular supports installed inside the partition walls within a data centre*

The project has demonstrated how Sikla modular support systems can be successfully applied beyond traditional [M&E services](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/why-integrate-me-support-concepts-early-with-bim?hsLang=en), providing innovative solutions for complex architectural and structural applications within modern data centre environments.

As data centres continue to accelerate across [the UK & Ireland](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sikla-uk-ireland/), Sikla remains committed to helping key stakeholders deliver high-performance support solutions to improve efficiency, reduce installation complexity and keep projects moving.

![Mark Parkin](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/hubfs/mark%20p.jpg)

Written by [Mark Parkin](https://blog.sikla.co.uk/author/mark-parkin)

Business Development Manager | Data Centres

[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-parkin-7560851b/)

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