How Natural Smoke Ventilation Works

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling can provide a detailed assessment of how air moves through a building under defined operating conditions.

By simulating airflow patterns, velocities and temperature distribution, engineers can identify stagnant areas, evaluate opening placement and compare alternative ventilation designs.

Where appropriate, CFD results can contribute to the technical evidence supporting an NCC Performance Solution, alongside engineering calculations and other required compliance assessments

Well-positioned low-level air inlets and high-level roof ventilators encourage crossflow and stack-driven ventilation. This helps fresh air move through the building while allowing accumulated warm air to escape, improving overall ventilation effectiveness.

A Performance Solution allows an alternative ventilation design to be assessed against the relevant NCC Performance Requirements, rather than relying solely on the prescribed opening-area provisions.

Through engineering calculations, airflow assessment and, where appropriate, CFD modelling, strategically positioned ventilation openings may achieve the required performance with less opening area, subject to appropriate compliance verification.