THE DETERMINATION OF LOCAL CLADDING PRESSURES
A pressure test measures local pressures at discrete points on a model, often made of acrylic. Each "pressure tap" on the rigid model is connected to a pressure transducer through PVC tubes. The point pressure measurements are distributed to ensure sufficient coverage to provide information on entire surfaces of the building. The results are generally used for the design of windows, cladding, curtain walls, etc.
The pressure measurements are carried out using a high-speed pressure scanning system. The system can provide almost instantaneous measurements of pressures at up to about 1,000 locations. The pressure taps are connected to the pressure scanners via PVC tubes and restrictors in order to prevent amplification or attenuation of the pressure signal between the point at the building and the pressure transducer.
The above approach is used in predicting both external and differential pressures on the exterior cladding.