Analysis of Pressure Differential and Smoke-Blocking Air Velocity of Vestibule Smoke Control Systems in a High-Rise Building Using CONTAM

Pressurized smoke control systems in high-rise buildings are affected by vertical shafts, leakage characteristics, and stack effects. In this study, CONTAM was used to examine the pressure differential and smoke-blocking air velocity of a vestibular smoke control system under normal and winter conditions. Under normal conditions, relatively high pressure differentials were observed in several basement smoke control zones. The modification of the exhaust air path reduced these values to approximately 46-60 Pa. On the upper floors, smoke-blocking air velocities ranged from 0.83 to 0.93 m/s. During winter, the neutral pressure level was estimated to be near the 12th floor, with pressure differentials increasing at higher elevations. Under the building and analysis conditions considered in this study, smoke control performance was found to vary considerably with building height and pressure distribution, indicating the need to evaluate the system over the full height of the building.