ABSTRACT
This paper presents the analytical approach to predict envelope air-pressure differential that was newly implemented into IRC’s computer weather analysis tool for hygrothermal calculations WeatherSmart-1.1. In addition to its original features, this tool now allows obtaining in a user-friendly way yearly profiles of hourly envelope air-pressure differential for both low and high-rise buildings. Hourly envelope air-pressure profiles are derived from the knowledge of both indoor and outdoor hygrothermal design loads. WeatherSmart-1.1 is being used within the frame work of a research project to assess effects of adding supplementary insulation and air-sealing retrofit on the long-term hygrothermal performance of different wall types used in Canadian high-rise buildings. Within the frame work of this research project, the paper also introduces how effects of moist air infiltration and exfiltration across tall building envelopes are assessed using IRC’s advanced HAM model hygIRC.
