Building Pressurization AI

Building pressurization maintains a positive or negative pressure differential between the building interior and the outdoors, or between specific zones within the building. Positive pressurization prevents outdoor air infiltration and moisture ingress. Negative pressurization in specific zones (like laboratories or hospital isolation rooms) prevents contaminant migration to adjacent spaces.

AI models the pressure relationships throughout the building, accounting for the HVAC system's supply and return air balance, the stack effect caused by the building height and temperature differential, wind loads on the building envelope, and the effect of door openings between pressure zones. The analysis ensures that the mechanical system can maintain the required pressure differentials under all operating conditions.

For smoke control applications, building pressurization must satisfy IBC Chapter 9 requirements — pressurizing exit stairways, creating tenable conditions in areas of refuge, and preventing smoke migration across floor levels. AI verifies that the pressurization system maintains the required pressure differentials with doors both open and closed, accounting for the stack effect that becomes significant in tall buildings and can overpower the mechanical pressurization system if not properly designed.