Samenvatting

This thesis focuses on optimizing the structural design and cost efficiency of an industrial electrical room for a large-scale data center located in Eemshaven, Netherlands. The industrial hall is designed to accommodate a 5-ton gantry crane integral to the installation and maintenance of heavy electrical equipment. The research aims to enhance the cost-effectiveness, material efficiency, and constructability of the steel structure while adhering to the client’s preliminary design constraints and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, including Eurocode and the Dutch National Annex.

Three design alternatives were developed, with a particular focus on optimizing the portal frame, the key structural element of the industrial hall. The main calculations and unity checks for the profiles were conducted using Technosoft and SCIA Engineer. IDEA StatiCa was employed to design and verify the connections, ensuring their performance under the applied loads. Additionally, Tekla Structures was used for 3D modeling, and the results from these analyses informed the cost estimation process, considering material, fabrication, transport, and labor costs.

The findings suggest that the optimized design with a braced structure and roof truss system offers the best balance between structural efficiency, material savings, and construction simplicity. This design reduces the complexity of connections, minimizes material usage, and simplifies assembly, making it a highly competitive option for the client. The final design includes detailed connection designs and a comprehensive cost analysis, positioning the project for success in the competitive tender process.