Overview
ISO/IEC TS 22237-30:2022 - "Information technology - Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Part 30: Earthquake risk and impact analysis" provides requirements and recommendations for assessing and mitigating seismic risk to data centres. The technical specification complements the ISO/IEC 22237 series by specifying the type of seismic risk assessment to be used (including ground motion, ground stability and probable maximum loss) and by describing design concepts and mitigation actions - from structural base isolation to localized protections - that help maintain the desired Availability Class for data centre operations.
Keywords: ISO/IEC TS 22237-30:2022, earthquake risk, data centre, seismic mitigation, risk assessment, Availability Class
Key Topics and Requirements
- Risk assessment approach: Guidance on how to include seismic activity in overall data centre risk analysis, aligned with Availability Classes defined in ISO/IEC 22237-1.
- Ground motion analysis: Consideration of short‑period (high frequency) and long‑period (low frequency) ground motions and their impacts on building structures and equipment.
- Ground stability and liquefaction: Assessment of liquefaction potential (LPI, FL, PL indicators) and ground stability when evaluating site risk.
- Probable Maximum Loss (PML): Use of PML as a metric relating restoration cost to re‑procurement cost to quantify seismic exposure.
- Mitigation measures:
- Structural techniques such as base isolation and building‑level seismic design.
- Localized mitigation (rack isolators, equipment anchoring, ceiling and roof supports).
- Measures addressing indirect risks (fire, flooding, utilities, access and transport disruptions, security systems).
- Disaster planning and recovery: Recommendations for incorporating seismic scenarios into continuity planning and recovery strategies.
Keywords: PGA, PML, base isolation, liquefaction, seismic intensity, data centre resilience
Applications and Who Uses This Standard
- Data centre designers & architects - integrate seismic design concepts into building and site planning.
- Structural and geotechnical engineers - apply ground motion and ground stability assessment guidance.
- Data centre operators & facilities managers - select mitigation measures (racking, anchorage, utility hardening) to meet Availability Class objectives.
- Risk assessors, insurers and asset owners - quantify PML and restoration exposures for business continuity and insurance.
- Regulators and planners - reference best practices when approving data centre infrastructure in seismic regions.
Keywords: data centre operators, seismic risk mitigation, business continuity, risk assessment
Related Standards
Using ISO/IEC TS 22237-30:2022 helps organizations systematically assess earthquake risk and adopt proven mitigation strategies to protect critical ICT equipment, maintain service availability and support resilient data centre operations.
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