RAETRAD model extensions for radon entry into multi-level buildings with basements or crawl spaces
- Rogers and Associates Engineering Corp., Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
The RAETRAD model was generalized to characterize radon generation and movement from soils and building materials into multi-level buildings with basements or crawl spaces. With the generalization, the model retains its original simplicity and ease of use. The model calculates radon entry rates that are consistent with measurements published for basement test structures at Colorado State University, confirming approximately equal contributions from diffusion and pressure-driven air flow at indoor-outdoor air pressure differences of {Delta}P{sub i-o} = -3.5 Pa. About one-fourth of the diffusive radon entry comes from concrete slabs and three-fourths comes from the surrounding soils. Calculated radon entry rates with and without a barrier over floor-wall shrinkage cracks generally agree with Colorado State University measurements when a sustained pressure of {Delta}P{sub i-o} = -2 Pa is used to represent calm wind (<1 m, s{sup -1}) conditions. Calculated radon distributions in a 2-level house also are consistent with published measurements and equations.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG03-93ER61600
- OSTI ID:
- 589119
- Journal Information:
- Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 73; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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