Experts examined reduced pathogen transmission using a building’s original mechanical design, original installation, design intent, and proper maintenance in a new white paper.
Return Ductwork Requirement for Airborne Pathogens Through the Airstream, discusses two approaches: pressure barriers and airflow distribution. The paper looks at the pros and cons of using the cavity above a finished ceiling as a return air plenum combined with supply air to the air handler as a proper ventilation technique.
Considerations include how ventilation systems affect the health and well-being of building occupants. A ceiling plenum provides some fan-specific energy efficiency and reduced material and labor costs, but it could put occupants and workers at risk and result in unintended energy losses. An open ceiling plenum is difficult to clean and disinfect, while ductwork can be easily cleaned.
A ducted return system allows a testing, adjusting, and balancing professional to adjust room pressures and airflow patterns to accommodate a change in use or mitigate pathogen transmission during a pandemic. Authors of the white paper include members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technical Committee 5.2 Duct Design.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Delos and HDR will co-develop wellness design tools and collaborate on research
WELL Building Standard pioneer teams with architects to advance wellness innovations in the built environment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2018
BREEAM New Construction standard launched in U.S.
Follows successful launch of BREEAM In-Use standard.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2018
Nearly half of nonresidential construction projects now delivered by design-build
‘Alternative’ method now mainstream for nonresidential, highway/street, and water/wastewater construction projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2018
Modular construction may be key to relieving housing crunch
May be only way to meet needs as ranks of construction workers decline.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2018
Thirty nine San Francisco high rises at risk of collapse in major earthquake
Vulnerable buildings have welded columns and beams.
Codes and Standards | Jun 26, 2018
Boston enacts new climate resiliency rules for buildings
New policy is likely a first in the nation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 25, 2018
Integrated Project Delivery guide offered by Pankow Foundation
An Action Guide for Leaders offers answers to critical IPD questions.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2018
New app said to automate code compliance
Startup offers plug-in that scans 3D models.
Codes and Standards | Jun 20, 2018
Home values and local tax revenues at risk from high tide flooding, scientists group says
Analysis of property data identifies communities prone to frequent flooding.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2018
Structural engineered wood products exempt from new EPA formaldehyde ruling
Exempt products include structural plywood, oriented strand board (OSB).