'K-Modular' technology to slash construction time for AI data centers

A prefabrication approach dubbed "K-Modular" — in which key structural components and equipment are manufactured at factories and assembled on-site — has been proposed as a solution to meet surging demand for AI data centers.

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) said it held a seminar Monday at the National Assembly Library to discuss ways to accelerate the supply of AI data centers, covering technology improvements and regulatory reforms under the theme of fostering the data center construction industry and supply strategy in the AI era.

AI data centers require far more power and generate significantly more heat than conventional facilities, as they house large numbers of high-density computing units such as high-performance GPUs. That has made it increasingly important to develop integrated design and construction capabilities covering not just the building itself but also power systems, cooling infrastructure and mechanical equipment.

KICT called for a shift away from conventional site-centric construction toward a standardized, modular and off-site construction (OSC)-based production system. The approach involves manufacturing standardized structures and equipment at factories, then expanding on-site assembly to boost both construction speed and quality.

To that end, KICT plans to pursue research and development across several key areas, including modular mechanical systems tailored for data centers, AI- and BIM-based design, high-efficiency cooling and energy technology, OSC and modular production technology, and pilot testing and standardization.

Kim Myeong-jun, director general for technology and safety policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said the ministry would "prepare regulatory improvements and support measures covering site selection, infrastructure, design and construction to enable data centers to be built quickly and reliably in response to rapidly growing AI infrastructure demand."

KICT President Park Seon-gyu said AI data centers are "core infrastructure underpinning the growth of the AI industry," adding that the institute would "comprehensively pursue key technology development, pilot testing and commercialization to secure the competitiveness of K-data center construction technology."