Multizone modelling of pressure equalisation

In two layer facades, rain penetration and wind load on outer facade (rainscreen) can be reduced by Pressure Equalization (ΡΕ). ΡΕ is in principle a dynamical, non-linear process. In this paper, a general model consisting of multizones and multi-input pressures is presented. From this model, a numerical program called PRESTO (PRessure Equalization Simulation TOol) is developed as an easy to use tool for simulating multizone PE problems. This tool is applied for a rainscreen with two compartments subjected to sinusoidal as well as random external pressure fluctuations. The simulation results reveal that the pressure difference across the rainscreen is reduced by the pressure equalization, but the pressure difference across the seal in the compartments is almost not reduced. PRESTO is found to be an useful tool for multizone PE problems.