TATE FORTE LEC STRUCTURAL CEILING

A design for the most demanding data centers

Modern data centers require infrastructure that can simultaneously handle high workloads, increasing power density, and rapidly changing technological requirements.

Forte LEC is a high-performance structural ceiling system designed for modern data centers, particularly facilities that use AI, HPC, and liquid cooling systems.

The structure provides a stable platform for technical installations located above the IT space, allowing for their integration without the need to build multiple independent support structures.

High load capacity. Flexible configuration. Future-proof.

DESIGNED FOR AI AND LIQUID COOLING

Advances in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing systems are radically increasing the demands placed on data center infrastructure.

Greater computing power means higher energy consumption and more advanced cooling systems.

Forte LEC was designed specifically to meet these requirements.

The system allows for the suspension and integration of infrastructure related to:

• liquid cooling,
• liquid cooling piping,
• electrical systems,
• cable routes,
• containment systems,
• power rails,
• lighting,
• HVAC systems,
• other components of the data center’s technical infrastructure.

As a result, the ceiling structure becomes an integral part of the building’s technical infrastructure.

4.4 kN POINT LOAD

Forte LEC is designed to handle the heavy loads found in demanding data center environments.

4.4 kN

maximum safe point load*

This corresponds to approximately 448 kg of load at a single point.

Such a high load-bearing capacity makes it possible to design the system for heavy installations and equipment that often require additional support structures in traditional solutions.

*Value in accordance with the current Tate Forte LEC technical data sheet for the configuration specified by the manufacturer.

7.3 kN/m LINEAR LOAD

High point load-bearing capacity is not the system’s only parameter.

Forte LEC also allows for the transfer of significant loads distributed along the structure.

7.3 kN/m

maximum linear load

This makes it possible to design a structural layout suitable for complex technical infrastructure, without the need to create multiple independent suspension systems.

This makes it possible to make better use of the available space above the server room.

SAFETY CONFIRMED BY TESTS

In the case of critical infrastructure, design parameters must be predictable and verified.

Forte LEC was subjected to tests of its actual structural behavior, including, among other things, deflection at the midspan and loads associated with vertical tension.

The system uses a safety factor of 2, ensuring an adequate safety margin with respect to the design loads.

Safety factor: 2

This solution is designed for continuous operation in an environment where infrastructure reliability is critical.

ONE DESIGN FOR MULTIPLE INSTALLATIONS

Traditional solutions often require the creation of several layers of support structures—separate ones for cables, electrical systems, cooling, and containment.

Forte LEC helps reduce this complexity by using a single structural design as a common platform for multiple systems.

POWER

Power rails, cable routes, and electrical infrastructure.

COOLING

HVAC systems and liquid cooling systems.

NETWORK

Cable routes and telecommunications infrastructure.

CONTAINMENT

Components of air separation and airflow management systems.

LIGHTING

Light fixtures and lighting infrastructure.

AI / HPC

Installations involving high-power-density servers.

UNIVERSAL CHANNEL FOR LIQUID COOLING AND AI

One of the key design features of the Forte LEC is its universal lower strut-type channel.

It allows for flexible mounting of additional infrastructure components and for adjusting their layout to meet the requirements of a specific project.

This is particularly important in the case of liquid cooling, where the layout of the piping and mounting points may be closely dependent on the arrangement of the racks and the cooling infrastructure.

Instead of designing the structure around a single, fixed layout, you can adapt the mounting points to the actual needs of the facility.

FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT OF SUSPENSION POINTS

In the data center, the layout of the installation may change as the project progresses through its various phases.

That is why Forte LEC was designed to allow for flexible placement of suspension points on the main structural profiles.

The use of simple connectors and a properly designed mounting system makes it easier to adapt the structure to a specific installation layout.

This is particularly important for facilities that are to be expanded or modernized over many years.

REINFORCED FASTENERS

The stability of the system depends not only on the profiles themselves, but also on how they are connected.

Forte LEC uses reinforced fasteners equipped with ribs and positioning elements, which help increase the rigidity of the connection and maintain the proper alignment of the structural components.

Precise connections ensure consistent system geometry and minimize the risk of errors during installation.

FASTER INSTALLATION

A large data center project involves thousands of meters of construction and hundreds of hours of work by installation crews.

Therefore, the method used to assemble the components has a direct impact on the completion time.

Forte LEC uses M8 screws with a serrated surface, which are designed to create fast connections without the need for additional washers.

A properly designed connection system helps reduce the number of steps required during installation.

Result:

faster installation

fewer auxiliary elements

less work on the construction site

easier control of the assembly process

DESIGNED WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND

A data center built today may support technologies that are not yet widely used for many years to come.

Therefore, the design should allow for changes.

Forte LEC allows you to design spaces with future infrastructure expansion, increased power density, and changes in cooling technology in mind.

Today

Servers, power supplies, traditional cooling systems.

Tomorrow

AI, HPC, liquid cooling, increased power, and greater infrastructure loads.

The design should be prepared for both scenarios.

LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT

Forte LEC is part of the Lower Embodied Carbon family of solutions.

Using materials with a lower carbon footprint helps reduce a structure’s environmental impact as early as the production stage.

According to Tate’s data, the system achieves a reduction in embodied carbon of over 50% compared to standard aluminum, and the environmental data is confirmed by an independent EPD declaration. The manufacturer reports emissions that are 64% lower compared with the equivalent product manufactured using standard aluminium.

This means it is possible to combine high design specifications with the environmental efficiency requirements of the project.

CERTIFIED SPECIFICATIONS

Forte LEC has declared and verified performance parameters regarding, among other things, fire safety, acoustics, and airtightness.

The system has been classified as Class A1 for reaction to fire in accordance with EN 13501-1 for the configuration specified by the manufacturer.

Key Standards:

EN 13501-1 — Classification of reaction to fire
EN ISO 10140-2 — Acoustic Properties
EN 12114 — Air Permeability
EN 15804+A2 — Guidelines for Environmental Declarations of Construction Products

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

*Specifications depend on the system configuration; values must be verified against the current technical documentation before being used in project documentation.

FOR WHAT TYPES OF FACILITIES?

Forte LEC is particularly well-suited for facilities that require high structural performance and a high degree of infrastructure flexibility.

DATA CENTER

A design for server rooms with high infrastructure density.

AI / HPC

For environments requiring high computing power and increased cooling capacity.

LIQUID COOLING

For installations requiring suspended piping and additional cooling infrastructure.

MISSION CRITICAL

For facilities where structural safety and reliability are critical.

DATA CENTER EXPANSION

For projects designed in phases and prepared to accommodate increased infrastructure loads.

WHY FORTE LEC?

4.4 kN

point load

7.3 kN/m

linear load

×2

safety factor

AI + HPC

ready for high power density

LIQUID COOLING

designed for liquid cooling systems

LEC

lower embodied carbon

A1

fire resistance class

M8

quick-connect fittings

FAQ

What is Forte LEC?

Forte LEC is a structural ceiling system designed to support the heavy loads of technical infrastructure in a data center.

It was designed specifically for facilities that use AI, HPC, and liquid cooling.

What load can the system support?

The maximum safe point load is 4.4 kN, while the maximum linear load is 7.3 kN/m—under the configuration and conditions specified by the manufacturer.

Is this system suitable for liquid cooling?

Yes. The design was developed with the integration of a liquid cooling system in mind and can be used to mount liquid cooling infrastructure.

Is Forte LEC suitable for AI infrastructure?

Yes. The system was designed to meet the increased demands of AI infrastructure and high power density.

Can the structure be expanded?

Yes. The modular design and flexible placement of suspension points allow the system to be adapted to the changing needs of the infrastructure.

Is the system fire-safe?

In a specific configuration with metal panels, the system has a Class A1 fire reaction rating in accordance with EN 13501-1.

What does LEC stand for?

LEC stands for Lower Embodied Carbon —a solution that uses materials and manufacturing processes designed to reduce emissions associated with the production of a product.

A DESIGN READY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DATA CENTERS

Increasing power density, AI, and liquid cooling are changing the requirements for technical infrastructure.

Therefore, a support structure cannot be designed solely with today’s needs in mind.

Forte LEC combines high load-bearing capacity, configuration flexibility, and readiness for future expansion in a single structural system.

Whether you’re designing a new data center, modernizing an existing facility, or preparing your infrastructure for AI and liquid cooling—contact us.