In connection with the revision of the German specification for loads due to wind, DIN 1055, section 4, an extensive review of literature was carried out. The present report contains a chronological summary of the major research investigations in the field of aerodynamics of structures and the corresponding specifications for various different countries. The historical development of wind load research, the considerations and the tests, which served as a basis for the German specification as well as aerological problems are briefly discussed.

Reports detailed investigation of the interaction between group geometry, flow properties and resulting pressure forces on a group of buildings. 

Examines ways in which air leakage affects building performance. Heating load and building relative humidity in winter are affected by over-all air infiltration and ventilation rates. Windows and doors usually represent the major source of air leakage in buildings. Condensation problems occur when exfiltrating air deposits moisture on surfaces such as atticsand inside double windows. Discusses ways of reducing condensation. Finds that air tightness in inside of enclosure must always be many times greater than that of the outer cladding.

Discusses ways of modifying distribution of stack effect through building by design and construction. Suggests many of the problems caused by stack effect could be alleviated byincreasing air tightness of building enclosure and interior separations. Discusses influence of mechanical ventilation systems on stack effect. Shows that pressurization does not eliminate stack effect but alters distribution of pressure differences.

Reports investigation of the relative effectiveness of wall gratings and flues as means of naturally ventilating unheated closed rooms. Ventilation rates of several rooms were measured using carbon dioxide as tracer gas and wind speed and direction were recorded. Presents results and finds for the flue, ventilation increased with wind speed irrespective of direction. For grating, ventilation rate increases slowly with size of grating and is dependent on both wind speed and direction. Concludes flue with base opening of 15 sq.ins. is as efficacious as grating having 50 sq.ins.

Briefly reviews ways of ventilating buildings. Discusses control of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and control of odours and airborne particles. Concludes ventilation is an essential element in the design of a building and its services.

Discusses the use of a tracer to measure the dispersal of air pollutants. Suggest use of Freon-12 or sulphur hexafluoride as tracer. Describes release of tracer, collection of samples in bottles, concentration of sample and analysis in gas chromatograph. Gives results of field trial and concludes that test method is very promising for studying local air movements.

Outlines projects at the Division of Building Research to carry out extensive field observations and studies of loads particularly snow loads on roofs and wind pressures and suctions on walls of high-rise buildings. Describes major features of this work including observation methods and some of the results.

Reports an indoor/outdoor sampling program for NO, NO2 and CO in four private houses which had gas stoves. Pollutant gases were measured essentially simultaneously at three indoor locations and one outdoor location. Shows that indoor levels of NO and NO2are directly related to stove use. In some instances levels of NO2 and CO in the kitchen exceeded the air quality standards for these pollutants if data for the sampling periods were typicalof an entire year.

Describes method of estimating ventilation rate using organic vapours as tracer gases and ultra-violet absorption to measure concentration. Gives table of absorption of different vapours. Suggests estimation using a test paper. This method is less precise but requires a minimum of apparatus.