What is Positive Pressure ( Pressurization )?
Definition of Positive Pressure ( Pressurization ) in Construction
Positive pressure within a building is extremely important to location and function.
For example, in a large multi family building, a positive pressure within the hallways and common spaces is required. This positive pressure will cause any issues within the residential apartments, such as a kitchen fire with smoke, not to penetrate into the hallways and common portions of the structure. In high rise structures the proper pressuring of the stair towers is important, for example it is important to keep the stair towers safe and free from smoke and fire penetration, so a positive pressure is required within the stair towers to expel any smoke. Pressurizing the structure is an important mechanical design consideration that is important to the safety of the structure’s inhabitants. A new technology has been developed for structures built over contaminated soils. The design and installation of a below grade system of piping and stone has been developed that produces a negative pressure under the slab. This negative pressure will prevent any contaminants to enter into the structure, through cracks or openings in the slab on grade. In some cases, fans are installed to suck the air out of the system below the slab on grade, and draw air away from the space. In this manner, the structure will maintain a positive pressure relative to the below grade material, and no contaminants will enter the living space of the structure.