A comparison of wind-tunnel and full-scale wind pressure measurements on low-rise structures

Reports comparisons between wind pressures measured on two low-rise experimental buildings and pressures measured on wind-tunnel models of those buildings. For the experimental building at Aylesbury, comparisons are made between thefull-scale pressures obtained by the Building Research Establishment and those of model tests at 1: 500 scale carried out by the University of Western Ontario, Canada and at 1 :50 scale by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (V.P.l.S.U.). The second experimental building, constructed by V.P.l.S. U.

Wind pressure coefficients on exterior wall elements of tall building.

Reports measurements of wind pressure distributions on a model of tall building made in a turbulent wind tunnel with a velocity gradient. The wind pressure distributions in a constant uniform velocity field were also measured and the differences in thepatterns of pressure distributions due to the effects of velocity gradient were observed at lower part of the model.< Also describes measurement of natural wind pressures and glass strains on a 36 storey office building. Finds inter alia considerably large pressure fluctuations of short gusts although average pressures are small.

The effect of smoking on ventilation requirements.

Reports measurements of suspended particulate matter, carbon monoxide and droplet nuclei in a climate chamber of 50m3 as indicators of the particulate and gaseous phase of cigarette smoke. Various combinations of smoking intensities andventilation rates between 1 and 16 air changes per hour were investigated partly by a standardized smoking machine procedure and by individual smoking by a panel of four persons.

The need for improved airtightness in buildings.

Outlines causes of air infiltration. Discusses the air leakage paths of openings and measures that can be taken to reduce air leakage. Concludes that air infiltration should never be relied upon for ventilation but efforts should be made to make the building envelope more airtight, and a mechanical ventilation system should be installed.

Energy conservation with natural air flow through windows

Considers windows as part of system of air controlling features of buildings to enhance air movement through living zone to cool occupants. Discusses how air is moved by pressure differences set up as wind strikes a building. Treats how location and type of window determines the pattern of air entering a building. Size of window opening determines speed. Location and type of window directs the air as the nozzle of a hose directs water.Considers how overhangs, landscaping screens, trees, and shrubs can also be used in control of air movement.

The computer simulation of smoke movement during building fires.

Gives brief description of the new computer package developed by the Oscar Faber partnership for predicting the movement of smoke during a building fire. The model treats the building as a network and calculates air flow between rooms driven by stack effect and wind pressure. Four levels of complexity in the simulation are possible. Describes the results of these different types of analysis for a multi-storey building.

Influence of neighboring structures on the wind pressure on tall buildings.

Reports measurements made of the wind pressure over a model of the Empire State Building as affected by the presence of neighboring models simulating buildings which might be erected on the adjacent blocks. Finds that while the pressure on certain faces of the building was increased somewhat by the presence of neighbouring structures, the resultant of pressure on the windward face and suction on the lee face was decreased. The decrease was greatest when the shielding structure was close by and directly upstream.

The simulation of the atmospheric boundary layer in a wind tunnel

Discusses the physical nature of atmospheric boundary layer flows. Concludes that the primary aims in the simulation of these flows in a wind tunnel should b to model the relevant scales and intensities of turbulence. Simulation of the variation of mean wind velocity with height is also desirable. Proposes a system of barriers and vortex generators as a means of simulating turbulent and neutral atmospheric boundary layers.Discusses the characteristics of induced turbulent flow. Finds that the developed flow is a good approximation to the natural boundary layer.

Wind loading on a rectangular block.

Reports wind-tunnel measurements of wind pressure on a rectangular block. Presents results as mean isobars plotted on an exploded view of the surfaces of the model. Briefly discusses the effect of turbulence and fluctuating pressures. Concludes that mean pressure distribution is only slightly affected by turbulence and shear in the atmospheric wind.

Air leakage in a building at low pressures using an alternating pressure source.

Reports low-pressure measurements of the leakage function of a building using an alternating (AC) pressure source with variable frequency and displacement. Synchronous detection of the indoor pressure signal created by the source eliminates the noise dueto fluctuations caused by the wind. Finds good agreement between AC and DC leakage results in pressure regions where the results can be compared. The low-pressure values made with the AC source suggest that the air flow is dominated by orifice flow effects down to pressures less than one Pascal.

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