The ASHRAE 1478-RP Measuring Airtightness of Mid- and High-Rise Non-Residential Buildings project is intended to fill a knowledge gap in the building enclosure airtightness data base for recently constructed mid-rise buildings. The project involved measuring the airtightness of sixteen buildings between four and fourteen stories, built since the year 2000. The tested buildings were located in climate zones two through seven of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Climate Zone Map. A subset of the buildings was designed with an enclosure consultant and quality assurance program. Based on existing airtightness testing protocols, including ASTM E779 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Protocol, a testing procedure was created specifically for mid-rise commercial buildings. The results of these tests range from 0.06 to 0.74 cubic feet per minute at an induced pressure of 75 Pascals with reference to zero-flow inside/outside pressure difference, per square foot of surface area (CFM/ft²), including below grade walls and slabs-on-grade (0.31 to 3.76 liters per second per square meter (L/s/m²)). Eight buildings are below the U.S. Army Corps standard airtightness of 0.25 CFM/ft² at 75 Pascals. Air leakage through HVAC penetrations in the buildings was also examined, and found to be significant. Characterization of leakage through closed dampers, analysis of the impact of airflow through closed dampers, and appropriate damper leakage specifications are worthy of further research.
Product Details
- Published:
- 2014
- Number of Pages:
- 107
- File Size:
- 1 file , 3.1 MB
- Product Code(s):
- D-RP-1478
