Computer Simulations of Airflow and Radon Transport in Four Large Buildings.

Published

April 1, 1995

Author(s)

Jin B. Fang, Andrew K. Persily

Abstract

Computer simulations of airflow and radon transport in four large buildings were performed using the multi-zone airflow and pollutant transport model CONTAM88. These buildings include a twelve-story multi-family residential building, a five-story mechanically-ventilated office building with an atrium, a seven-story mechanically-ventilated office building with an underground parking garage, and a one-story mechanically-ventilated school building. Interzone airflow rates and radon concentrations are predicted in these buildings as a function of wind speed and direction, indoor-outdoor temperature difference, and ventilation system operation. Ventilation system factors that are studied include the operation of exhaust fans in the apartment building and variations in the percent outdoor air intake in the office buildings. Simulations in the office buildings are also made with the ventilation systems off and with variations in the balance of the supply and return airflow rates.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 5611

Report Number

5611

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.5611

Keywords

air flow, building technology, contaminant dispersal, indoor air quality, mechanical ventilation, modeling, multi-family residential, multi-zone, office buildings, radon, ventilation

Citation

Fang, J. and Persily, A. (1995), Computer Simulations of Airflow and Radon Transport in Four Large Buildings., NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.5611 (Accessed October 22, 2025)