Context

High-security palisade fencing from Barkers has been installed to protect the perimeter of a new data centre facility in Masdar, Abu Dhabi.

Tasked with safeguarding data from potential security threats, the client embarked on fortifying defences to protect its invaluable data assets. Its primary focus was on securing the data centre against risks such as rogue vehicles, unauthorised access, and data breaches.

Security requirements

Facing an urgent need for robust perimeter protection, the client specified Barkers’ due to its track record of working with major data centre providers across EMEA and APAC.

The client aimed to establish an “airlock” or “tiger trap” security set-up. This included a non-crash-rated bifold gate as the first line of defence, followed by a crash-rated bifold gate. To secure the air lock, the client chose Barkers StronGuard SL2 RCS to a towering 3m high. Known for its crash resistance, this fencing system is accredited by PAS 68 for its ability to stop a 7.5-tonne vehicle traveling at 30mph (48kph). Additionally, its LPS 1175 B3 accreditation ensured resistance against persistent attackers using mechanical tools for over 3 minutes.

During the design phase, Barkers’ technical team drew the fence to meet the site-specific requirements and provided critical wind loading calculations to determine the foundations.

Installation challenges

The sandy ground conditions presented considerable challenges during the installation process, calling for innovative solutions to anchor the fencing securely. Beyond the first 200/300mm of the ground was clay-rich soil, resembling solid rock which complicated post hole digging. Moreover, the extreme summer temperatures meant careful planning for the fence expansion and contraction, with trench preparation accounting for this movement.

To overcome these hurdles, Barkers' installation partner, Access1, initially placed posts in concrete foundations within a controlled warehouse environment to ensure proper curing regardless of outdoor conditions. Once each post was set, they were transported to site. Posts were then positioned in the trenches, before being backfilled with soil and carefully compacted to maintain straight alignment and fence stability.

The project also faced tight deadlines, demanding efficient execution without compromising the client’s primary goal: safeguarding its data centre against unauthorised access and data breaches.

Partnership and collaboration

Barkers played a pivotal role in the project, offering unparalleled expertise and collaborative support throughout the implementation journey.

The seamless communication and co-ordination between Barkers and Access1 fostered a strong, efficient partnership. This ensured adherence to stringent project timelines and quality benchmarks set by the end client.