Natural ventilation use in cyclone regions is not just limited to the installation of cyclone rated ventilators and louvres. Natural ventilation in itself can deliver multiple benefits in combating the destructive forces of cyclones and help mitigate damage that is often left behind. Here at Airocle, we are at the forefront of ventilation systems in Australia, looks at the important role that natural ventilation plays in cyclone regions.
Wind Regions for Design
Cyclones can broadly be classified according to their meteorological parameters. These variations are outlined in AS/NZS 1170.2:2002 and divides Australia into several cyclonic regions (Category A through to D) along with their annual probability of exceedance (Importance Level 1 through to 4). Understanding building codes and the environment for your project allows you to specify a natural ventilation system that is made to perform.
Wind Loads
A particular site must take into account factors that can increase or decrease local wind speed. These include building height, topography, shielding from structures and suburban terrain. Designing your natural ventilation around the relevant wind pressures ensures optimal performance and structural integrity.
Building Pressurisation
Understanding the pressures acting on a structure is critical. Internal pressures act together with external suction pressures to significantly alter the load on cladding and structures. The use of natural ventilation as a pressure relief system can help balance pressures and the load on a building – reducing the risk of structural damage in cyclone events.
Airocle products and natural ventilation systems have survived some of the most notorious cyclone events in Australia’s history.
| Cyclone | Gust speeds | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Yasi | 300 km/h | Survived |
| Larry | 240 km/h | Survived |
| Tracy | 250 km/h | Survived |
| Ingrid | 325 km/h | Survived |
We have often found our roof ventilators in cyclone-affected regions still spinning smoothly after a storm — which provides you with the reassurance that our natural ventilators are built to last.
Benefit Your Project
Natural ventilation systems in cyclone regions deliver four distinct advantages, in that they are able to:
- Improve the amenity for your building occupants
- Reliably provide passive smoke hazard management
- Promote pressure relief in a building, and
- Reduce the risk of structural damage or failure in high wind situations.
Leadership
Airocle offers a range of cyclone rated natural ventilators and louvres to meet all cyclone regions. Our experience in design, engineering capability and continued research into this area through our industry partnership with the University of New South Wales ensures you’re able to find the right advice for your next project.
We offer free design advice for all projects looking to benefit from natural ventilation, passive smoke hazard management and pressure relief. Ring Airocle on +61 2 4677 7300 and speak to one of our design team members today.