Describes the work of the Department of Climate and Building Services of the National Swedish Institute for Building Research. Full scale trials, field measurement and measurement technology and methods applied to indoor climate are described. Research on airtight buildings, radon, air quality and efficient ventilation, occupant requirements and effects on human performance is also summarised. Dummies are used to measure heat transport to or from parts of the body, and for measurement of humidity.
Treats the causes of deterioration in buildings, thermal bridges, the indoor climate, data for the design and execution of buildings and living conditions in rooms. Section headings are The formation of moulds, Humidity in buildings, The temperature factor, tau, as a criterion of the thermal quality of thestructural elements, Conditions of occupation of buildings, Thermal bridges, Natural ventilation of buildings, Conclusions, Advice.
Simulation methods and test results are presented here to confirm projections of actual total suspended particulate (TSP) concentration levels for representative office buildings, with particular emphasis on the 0.3 to 5 micron particulate si
Describes methods of predicting concentration levels of indoor air pollution in a variety of residences by using residence air infiltration rates, residence volumes, and source terms, and by making assumptions about occupant lifestyle and poll
There are a number of reasons to question whether regulation should be the primary means of dealing with indoor air quality problems. The nature of hypersensitivity to indoor pollutant exposures is such that any practical form of regulation m
The prospective study included two groups, a study group, which had retrofitting of their flats, and a control group not exposed to environmental changes in their homes. The results clearly demonstrated a number of positive effects of the replac
A database on the airtightness performance of houses built according to current construction practices (1980 to 82) was established, province by province, across Canada. Airtightness tests were conducted using the fan-depressurisation method and the results were compared by province, builder, house style, and house size. The survey shows considerable variation in the leakiness of the houses when the results are compared by province. Less variation in airtightness exists when the houses are compared by builder, house style, and house size on a provincial basis.
Reports on pressure tests carried out on the Kasarminkatu 24 building (a museum of architecture) in Helsinki. The fans in the building were used to measure airtightness of the building envelope, and the tightness of windows and doors was measured separately by the guarded box method. The tightness of the building envelope was good (2 ach at 50 Pa). 70% of total air leakage came through the wooden roof structure, and only 5-10% through the windowstructure. Three alternative mechanical ventilation systems were also studied in the same building to assess their impact on indoor climate.
Describes a simple device which pressurises an enclosed volume of air adjacent to individual components in the building fabric. The air flow through the crackage is measured and the interdependence of the flow rate and pressure is examined. Windows, floors, loft traps and suspended ceilings are examined. A simple relationship is found to be applicable to individual components but no universal relationship is found for a general range of components with superficially similar cracks.
Reviews air infiltration studies in New Zealand. Tighter houses have evolved over the years through changes in building methods and materials. Some of the tighter houses can have condensation problems. Investigates the airtightness of 40 houses together with the leakage resistances of a range of building components and bulk sheathing materials. A comparison with houses in other countries shows that comparatively tight houses can arise from simple construction methods not employing vapour barriers. Gives air infiltration rates as a function of windspeed for 4 of the 40 houses.
Login