Structural Ceiling
Systems
High-load suspension ceiling grids for overhead manifold runs, cable management, and the critical infrastructure of tomorrow's data centers.
When the Ceiling Carries
the Infrastructure
In a liquid-cooled data center, the ceiling is no longer just a boundary — it is a structural system. Liquid-filled stainless steel manifolds are heavy: a 100mm diameter DN100 schedule 40 stainless steel pipe filled with water weighs approximately 9kg per metre. Run that across a 40-metre data hall and you have infrastructure that a standard ceiling tile grid simply cannot support.
DCE Systems' structural ceiling systems are designed specifically for data center applications where overhead loads from manifold runs, cable trays, PDU drops, and cooling equipment must be safely and reliably supported over spans of tens of metres.
Our ceiling grid systems are designed to AISC 360 structural standards, fabricated from ASTM A36 structural steel, and hot-dip galvanized or painted for corrosion protection in the data center environment. Load ratings are calculated, documented, and provided with the installation package.
Two Ceiling Grid Systems
Heavy-Load Ceiling Grid
A primary-beam-and-secondary-purlin ceiling framework that spans the full data hall overhead, suspended from the building structure. Designed to carry distributed and point loads from manifold runs, cable trays, and equipment mounting points. Load ratings from 100kg/m² to 400kg/m² depending on span and beam configuration. All connections bolt-together for on-site assembly without hot work in the live data center environment. Based on structural performance concepts proven in the Tate Global Forte LEC / Grid+ LEC overhead load grid platform.
- AISC 360 structural design — load calculations provided
- ASTM A36 steel with hot-dip galvanized finish
- Bolt-together assembly — no hot work on site
- Rated load capacity documentation included
- Adjustable drop connections to building slab
Integrated Manifold Ceiling System
A ceiling grid system in which the structural grid and the liquid cooling manifold distribution system are designed as a single integrated assembly. Supply and return stainless steel manifolds are pre-mounted within the ceiling grid structure before installation, with QD connector drops already positioned and tested. The integrated system reduces installation time, eliminates coordination errors between structural and MEP trades, and provides a cleaner overhead installation with shorter on-site commissioning time. All stainless manifold components passivated per ASTM A967.
- Structural grid + passivated stainless manifolds in one assembly
- Pre-positioned QD connector drops — positioned to row layout
- Factory-tested manifold assemblies before site delivery
- Reduced installation coordination and on-site time
- AISC structural design + ASME B31.3 piping compliance
Structural Standards Compliance
Structural Design
All ceiling grid structural members, connections, and suspension systems designed to AISC 360 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. Structural calculations and load rating documents provided with every installation.
Structural Steel
Primary structural members to ASTM A36 standard minimum yield strength. Hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A123 for corrosion protection in the data center environment. Full material certification provided.
Integrated Piping
Where stainless steel manifold systems are integrated into the ceiling grid, all piping designed and tested to ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code. Pressure testing records included in the documentation package.
