Uncertainties in building pressurisation tests due to steady wind

Abstract

This paper deals with the quantification of the uncertainties due to wind in building pressurisation tests. The steady wind model error stems from the heterogeneous pressure distribution around the building. We have analysed this error based on a simplified one-zone building model with one leak on the windward side and one on the leeward side of the building. Our model gives an analytical expression of this error that depends on the leakage distribution and pressure coefficients. Using test and reference pressures at 50Pa in this model, standard measurement protocol constraints contain the steady wind model error within about 3% and 11% with wind speeds below 6ms−1 and 10ms−1, respectively. At 10Pa, the error is in the range of 35% and 60% at 6ms−1 and 10ms−1, respectively. This paper also includes an estimate of the combined uncertainty including other sources of errors which can be used to assess the relevance of measurement protocols. Under idealised conditions, using 50Pa as reference pressure and a default flow exponent, it can be expected a combined expanded uncertainty of 6%–12% for wind speeds of 6–10ms−1, respectively.