Examining the Impact of Improving the Airtightness of the Building Envelopes on Differential Pressures and Contaminant Dispersion in Temporary Negative Pressure Isolation Rooms

This study utilized a CONTAM simulation to assess the effects of airtightness improvements in TNPI rooms. Sobol sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the impact of building envelope elements on pressure differentials and contaminant dispersion. Results showed that inter-room penetrations, ward doors, and ward ceilings significantly influenced differential pressure, while exterior walls and inter-room penetrations predominantly affected contaminant dispersion. These findings highlight the need for project-specific approaches in enhancing TNPI room airtightness, given that element impact varies by factors and does not correlate proportionally with their areas.