The three national model building codesI require pressurization systems for high-rise buildings. The goal of stairwell pressurization is to provide a relatively smokefree evacuation route by maintaining a pressure differential across a stairwell door opening, thereby preventing smoke infiltration. This goal is difficult to attain in cold climates due to weather extremes that relate to stack effect, increased wind effect, and the additional problem of heating the stairwell.

This paper discusses the design, construction, testing, and computer modeling of the stairwell pressurization system of a 14-story hotel built in Minneapolis, MN.