Briefly reviews methods of estimating infiltration rates in dwellings. Describes tracer gas method using methane. Gives results of measurements of air change rate made in houses in Minneapolis, Kansas and Denver. Concludes that technique works well for measuring residential infiltration.
Reports some results of field measurements of radon levels in apartments and houses and shows that summer measurements with high natural ventilation rates are generally lower than winter measurements. Suggests exhalation of radon from building materials can be studied by placing samples of material in closed vessels and following the growth of activity in the vessels. Shows that a ventilation rate of one air change per hour will lower the theoretical maximum level to 0.008 of the unventilated maximum value.
Radon is a radioactive gas which diffuses naturally from all mineral based building materials. States for most homes, concentration of radon is approximately inversely proportional to the ventilation, although this is not valid for very low or very high air change rates. Gives brief results of measurements of concentration of radon in dwellings. Outlines health risks from radon and daughters. Reviews norms laid down in some countries for specific situations. Discusses ways of reducing radon concentrations.
Describes a photo-electric technique for instant determination of contaminant concentration in wind tunnel studies of stack gas dispersion. A roving sensor is used to measure the light scattered by the particles of oily aerosol representing theprototype stack effluent. The minature probe has a noise level of only one hundred thousandth of the full linear range of the output signal for a time constant of 5s. Device is also suitablefor measurement of fluctuating flow properties, such as turbulence, where a high frequency response is required.
Reports wind tunnel investigation of the wind pressure on houses. Tests were made on model of traditional form with sides in the ratio 1:3 and 1:6, roof pitch of 14 and heights of 2,3,4 and 8 storeys. Results were obtained in the form of pressure coefficients which are transformed into isobars using spline interpolation. Gives diagrams showing pressure coefficients and isobars for each test.
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.
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 measurement of wind pressures on Royex House, a multi-storey building in London. Reports that suction loads on cladding are more severe than had been indicated by wind tunnel tests. Face-on winds produce the maximum structural loading with whole of peak load on windward face.
Reports tests using a natural exposure rig on a number of designs of horizontal and vertical joints employing labyrinths to separate the air and water entering the joint. Results obtained under a limited range of conditions show that it is possible, with suitable designs, to prevent penetration of water without necessarily making a joint airtight. Puts forward a number of potential applications, including a prototype window.
In 1978 the Swedish parliament adopted a ten-year "energy saving plan for existing buildings". Outlines energy saving measures which qualify for public support. Describes survey made of randomly chosen buildings, which had received loans or subsides, to evaluate their effectiveness. Describes collection of information and gives method for calculating energy savings. Reports preliminary result that extra attic insulation leads to substantial energy saving as did replacement of boiler and burner in multi-family homes.
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