Waverley Mansion - Model Test Results

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Vital Signs Project: Waverley Mansion

(Background) (Methodology) (Building Results) (Model Results) (Conclusion) (References).

Model Test Results

The first site visit to Waverley revealed design elements that no longer functioned as they were originally intended (i.e. some windows are not operable). Tests were conducted on the ante-bellum home despite the changes it had undergone; however, it was important to have some idea of how Waverley worked in its original form. A model was a good way to reinforce previous test results and make new discoveries.

Figure 13a: Waverley Model at 1/2"=1'-0"

Methods

The Waverley model was constructed out of 1/8 inch thick foam core at 1/2" = 1'-0". In order to observe activity within the model's atrium, plexiglass was used for the cupola roof. Scaled drawings of Waverley were used to locate all windows, doors, and transoms in the model. Stairway openings were cut in each floor, but stairs were not included. The model was built in three pieces to provide access to interior doors and transoms. All joints were sealed with hot glue or tape.

Figure 13b: Waverley Model at 1/2"=1'-0"

To detect air movement throughout the model, 1/4" x 2"; streamers were cut out of tracing paper. After testing streamers made of yarn, notebook paper, and plastic, tracing paper was chosen because of its light weight and wider flatter surface area. The streamers were taped outside of all exterior doors and windows. Inside the atrium, sixteen streamers were evenly spaced around the octagonal openings in each floor (Fig.14). Wind was simulated using a box fan set on low speed. The fan was placed 15 feet south of the model.

Figure 14: Streamers Used to Test Air Motion in the Waverley Model

Testing the model was similar to testing the building. The tests focused on changes in air movement within the atrium given different window, door, and transom conditions. The model of Waverley was tested under the following five conditions:

1.	All windows, doors, and transoms to the outside were closed. Inside doors remained open. (Extreme Conditions)
2.	The southern door on the first floor was opened, as were all inside doors. All windows, doors, and transoms remained closed (Fig.15).
3.	All windows, doors, and transoms which are operable on the actual building were opened. (Present Conditions)
4.	All windows, doors, and transoms were opened. (Original Conditions)
5.	Only the sixteen cupola windows were opened.

Figure 15: Windows and Doors Covered for Test 2

Results

Results from the air motion testing are provided in the table below and in Figure 16 below. The results are color coded to show relationships in air movement from floor to floor and test to test. The colors used in Figure 16 do not directly relate to those used in Figure 11.

(Fig.16.a)

All windows, doors, and transoms to the outside were closed. Inside doors remained open.

(Extreme Conditions)

There was almost no air motion within the atrium space. Occasionally, a streamer would move on the second floor.

2. (Fig.16.b)	The southern door on the first floor was opened, as were all inside doors. All windows, doors, and transoms remained closed.	There was steady air motion on the second floor and some on the third floor. None of the streamers on the fourth floor moved.
3. (Fig.16.c)	All windows, doors, and transoms which are operable on the actual building were opened. (Present Conditions)	The streamers moved rapidly on both the second and fourth floors. The streamers on the third floor moved rapidly, but not quite as much as those on the other floors.
4. (Fig.16.d)	All windows, doors, and transoms were opened. (Original Conditions)	No change was apparent going from condition 3 to condition 4.
5. (Fig.16.e)	Only the sixteen cupola windows were opened. The inside doors were closed.	There was air movement on the fourth floor and some on the second floor. There was no air movement on the third floor.

Figure 16: Results of Air Motion Tests on Waverley Model

Conclusions

When the model was tested under condition one, there was occasional air movement on the second floor. This indicates that some air was entering around the chip board which was used to cover the windows, transoms, and doors (Fig.15). It also hints at the importance of infiltration in Waverley's envelope. The results for conditions two and three were expected -- more air motion closest to openings in the envelope; no windows or doors to the outside on the third floor resulted in less air motion on that level. Condition four yielded surprising results. Despite the number of openings in the building envelope being increased by 30%, there was no apparent increase in air motion. Condition five also yielded unexpected results -- air movement on the second floor. Because of test one, it can be concluded that infiltration around the door and window coverings was responsible.

Comments to author: vitalsigns@
ced.berkeley.edu

Created: 04/08/97
Revised: 09/09/02

VITAL SIGNS
http://www-archfp.ced.berkeley.edu/vitalsigns/workup/waverly/waver_result2.html