With Frankipiles NG^®, builders and operators of data centres can count on an economical and environmentally friendly solution for the foundations of their buildings. The use of this technology in the foundations of sensitive buildings offers significant benefits in terms of load-bearing capacity and stability, which are crucial factors for the safe operation of data centres. The reliable load-bearing capacity ensures a durable and secure base, minimising downtime and maintenance costs.

One of the outstanding features of Frankipile NG^® foundation technology is its adaptability. The number and length of the piles can be individually and precisely coordinated with the ground conditions and the requirements of the construction project. This enables considerable savings in concrete and steel during construction without compromising load-bearing capacity. In addition, the individual adaptation of the piles contributes to an optimised construction method that offers both economic and ecological benefits.

Another benefit of Frankipile NG^® technology is the driving process, which compacts the surrounding soil, improving its properties and further increasing the load-bearing capacity of the piles. As no soil material is removed during this process, there are no costs for transporting and disposing of drill cuttings. This not only reduces construction costs, but also reduces CO₂ emissions due to less truck traffic. In addition, the production of Frankipiles NG^® is a closed system that is independent of the groundwater level, so that no process water treatment is required, as is the case with bored piles, for example.

Furthermore, the absence of soil extraction at contaminated sites ensures that the impact of construction work on people and the environment is kept to a minimum.

Low-vibration environment – tailor-made solutions for data centres

Data centres founded using Frankipile NG^® benefit from a stable and low-vibration environment. This is essential for the sensitive IT equipment operated in such facilities.

Changes to the floor slab, such as deformation or settlement, can impair the functionality and service life of the IT infrastructure. Deep foundations on load-bearing soil significantly reduce these risks. A stable base ensures that sensitive equipment works reliably and maximises uptime.

The efficient application of this foundation technology allows construction projects to be implemented quickly and reliably. The special load-bearing behaviour of Frankipiles usually results in shorter piles compared to other systems. The shortening of the foundation elements and the simultaneous use of several pile drivers enable fast and precise installation of the piles, even with tight schedules. This minimises the impact on ongoing operations as well as the environment and significantly reduces runtime. Timely project completion is particularly important for technologically demanding data centres.

The process is characterised not only by its technical benefits, but also by its sustainability. Thanks to savings in concrete and steel, as well as lower environmental impact due to the elimination of drilling and the associated transport and disposal costs, Frankipile NG® technology is particularly resource-efficient. The reduced number of truck trips to and from the construction site results in benefits for logistics on site and in the surrounding area. Residents benefit from reduced truck traffic and lower emissions. PORR Spezialtiefbau is also committed to certified sustainability: at the client's request, the pile technology can be used on construction sites certified by the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) for special civil engineering. This guarantees the highest standards in terms of environmental compatibility, resource efficiency and social responsibility. Alternatively, PORR Spezialtiefbau's planning service can also support clients in obtaining BREEAM certification.

Frankipile NG^® technology combines innovation, sustainability and high load-bearing capacity. Its environmental friendliness, stability and adaptability make it the ideal solution for modern construction projects. For data centres in particular, it offers a sustainable and efficient basis for meeting the increasing demands of digital infrastructure.

Frankipile NG® technology

A Frankipile NG^® is a foundation element made of reinforced in-situ concrete, named after its inventor Edgard Frankignoul. It is driven into the ground using a special ramming process, with the pile foot consisting of tamped concrete. The Frankipile is characterised by:

• High load-bearing capacity: The pile can carry heavy loads, making it ideal for structures such as data centres that need to be built on deep foundations.
• Adaptability: The number and length of the piles can be individually adapted to the ground conditions and the requirements of the construction project.
• Environmental friendliness: Full soil displacement eliminates the need to extract soil, saving transport and disposal costs and reducing environmental impact.
• Due to the high pile resistance and the base design, both the number of piles and the pile lengths can be optimised. The time required to construct complex building foundations is minimised.