Envelope Testing Procedure Demonstrated for Isenberg Project

Nick Weidemann—a lead team member of the Isenberg School of Management project at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in collaboration with BIG—recently observed the envelope testing procedure used for the building. The process involved “bagging” the mock-up with plastic to test for air infiltration under negative pressure. After pumping air out of the test chamber to draw the surrounding plastic tight to the assembly, the plastic is cut to draw air through the assembly itself and see how the pressure differential changes. Ideally, there should be minimal change. The second step of the process involves putting the mock-up under negative pressure again, with water sprayed on the exterior, to see if water is drawn through the assembly.

Thanks to Quast Consulting and Testing, Inc. for their work on this fascinating and informative testing!

Learn more about the project here.