Data centers built on unstable clay-rich soils face significant risks, as even minor soil expansion can lead to structural damages and compromise IT equipment. VoidForm Products, LLC, a manufacturer specializing in concrete protection, has issued a warning to engineers involved in the construction of new AI and data processing centers.

Engineers must address how to safeguard these facilities from ground movement caused by the shrink-swell action of clay-rich soils. The force exerted by expansive soils can reach up to 30,000 pounds per square foot due to small changes in moisture and temperature. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, damages from expansive soils in the U.S. amount to an estimated $2.3 billion annually, exceeding losses from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

A cost-effective solution exists through the use of void-creating products offered by VoidForm, which are designed to protect concrete walls, slabs, and piers. The products provide temporary support during the pouring of concrete, forming cavities that allow for soil expansion without transferring pressure to the structural elements above. These solutions aim to prevent costly damages associated with expansive soils during the construction phase.