Anticipate Cleanroom Construction Challenged to Avoid Setbacks

Today’s approach to cleanroom construction requires higher standards than ever. The rapid technological advancements of nanotechnology, life sciences, electronics and the aerospace industry mean standards are becoming increasingly more stringent.

The growing complexity of cleanroom design and construction is exacerbated by the need for sustainable buildings and quick deliveries.

Who Is Responsible for Anticipating Cleanroom Construction Challenges? In today’s highly complex cleanroom design landscape, placing the onus of cleanroom construction entirely on the contractor benefits no one.

Cleanroom building challenges are not born exclusively in the field. They originate with the project’s earliest concepts. Challenges can predate design, engineering and even conceptual design stages. The potential for cleanroom design and construction challenges must be addressed at every stage of the project, if they are to be successfully avoided — or at least handled effectively in the field.

Thinking Ahead of Cleanroom Construction Standards The standards with which cleanroom facilities are designed, engineered and built vary considerably from industry to industry, but most stem primarily from the International Organization of Standards (ISO). ISO 14644 establishes cleanroom design, construction and startup standards.

Some industry stakeholders and published documentation may also refer to Federal Standard 209E, established originally by the Institute of Environmental Sciences. FED-STD-209E was, however, replaced and superseded years ago by ISO 14644.

ISO 14644 is a governmental standard, and as such is rarely updated at the speed of technological development. Consequently, cleanroom construction challenges can be minimized by design and engineering practices that look ahead to a more stringent set of standards than what is in effect at the time of the plan’s conception. Experienced cleanroom design and engineering professionals help shape the future of industry standards. Consequently, they understand — and can incorporate — forward-looking specifications that will help offset potential cleanroom construction challenges.

Building Information Modeling in Cleanroom Construction Building information modeling, or BIM, is a technology-related protocol that allows architects, engineers and construction managers to build digital models of cleanroom systems and facilities. BIM provides a simulated environment that project stakeholders can use to identify potential design or construction challenges and operational issues.

Building information modeling provides a unique virtual glimpse into the future, identifying cleanroom design and construction challenges that, in years past, might only have been discovered later, in the field. Applying BIM early in the cleanroom design process allows the architecture and engineering team to improve the constructability of the project before it ever goes out to bid. Specifications and scheduling details can be finalized early in the planning phase, reducing costs and project delivery times.

DesignTek Consulting Group LLC provides a full range of professional engineering, design and construction services for cleanrooms and industrial facilities. DesignTek serves clients across the United States. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with all facets of cleanroom construction and design.