Pressure models require a good knowledge of the pressure distribution around the building and a precise description of air paths. The hydrodynamic behavior of these connections is usually reduced to an empirical power law Q = K.dP(n) with n equal to 0.5 for a turbulent flow and 1.0 for a laminar one. We present three levels of approach to improve our knowledge of the flow behavior of building components. First, we propose a new light experimental tool to determine the on site flow behavior of building elements.
This wind tunnel investigation studies the effects of surrounding buildings on the wind pressure distribution over a 1 1/2-storey single-family house. Pressure coefficients obtained in the tests have been used for the calculation of air change rates and associated heat losses from the house for a range of wind speeds and internal-external temperature differences. For these calculations leakage areas in the building envelope have been assumed to be uniformly distributed.
Describes wind tunnel experiments on 3-dimensional flow around whole building formations. The pressure distribution on an isolated building with flow over the whole angular range was investigated. This was followed by examination of interference between high buildings of unequal height.
The distribution and level of pressures due to the wind on the external faces of buildings condition the working of ventilation systems and hence the thermal losses. This article presents the results of wind-tunnel experiments imitating natural wind, in the form of a "mapping" of the mean pressure coefficients exerted on the ordinary forms of dwelling. Attention is also given to the local effects on extraction outlets on flat roofs.
The aerodynamic forces affecting wind and rain penetration of roofs are described. They are: 1 the wind and its turbulent nature, 2 the induced pressure field, 3 the air flows in contact with the roof and 4 the characteristics of the roof (internal pressure, permeability, structure, etc).