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Proper building drainage systems are essential for safely removing human and domestic waste, protecting public health, and preventing the spread of pathogens. While most existing design codes focus on low- to medium-rise buildings, tall buildings present unique challenges that often fall outside standard guidelines.
CIBSE’s TM70: Tall building drainage design addresses these challenges, offering a robust, evidence-based framework for designing drainage systems in tall buildings. It highlights:
- Accurate flow rate estimation: Learn how to calculate water flow rates and determine appropriate pipe sizes and storage capacities, critical for effective system performance.
- Global standards integration: Guidance draws from major international standards, including BS EN 12056, DIN 1986-100, IPC/UPC, AS/NZS 3500.2, SHASE-S 206, GB 50015, and regional resources like the ASPE Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook.
- Advanced modelling with AIRNET: Understand how the AIRNET model simulates air and water flows and pressure dynamics, providing validated predictions for safer, more reliable drainage.
- Risk-based design for tall buildings: Explore how building height affects drainage performance and learn strategies to mitigate risk through enhanced ventilation and optimised system design.
- Practical design guidance: Receive clear advice on pipe sizing, system configuration, pressure equalisation, and managing offsets.
- Performance testing tools: Use a robust commissioning test to ensure designs operate optimally and as a diagnostic tool for existing buildings.
This guide combines laboratory research, full-scale testing, and advanced numerical modelling to provide designers with the tools to create resilient, high-performing drainage systems for tall buildings
Table of Contents
1 Introduction and background
1.1 General
1.2 Structure of this guide
1.3 Legislation
1.4 Historical development of codes
1.5 Importance of ventilation/air flow in a drainage system
1.6 Meaning of ‘tall building’
1.7 Tall building drainage characteristics
1.8 Validation of building drainage system designs
2 Definitions and terminology
2.1 Primary and secondary data used and their sources
2.2 Drainage ventilation terminology
2.3 Definition of ‘tall building’ in respect to drainage
2.4 Discharge units — simultaneous flow
2.5 Flow definitions
2.6 Wave speed
2.7 Pipe period
2.8 Pressure transients
2.9 Airflow velocity
2.10 Entrained airflow
2.11 Annular water flow
2.12 Terminal velocity
3 Design considerations
3.1 General
3.2 UK drainage system performance
3.3 Performance requirements
3.4 Design parameters: hydraulic loading versus height of the building
3.5 Drainage ventilation configurations
3.6 Offset configurations
3.7 Stub stack connections
4 Drainage ventilation sizing
4.1 Drainage pressure equalisation design
4.2 Sizing and system design to reduce risk of failure
4.3 Treatment of offsets
5 Performance testing
5.1 General
5.2 Airflow performance
5.2 Pressure testing (system integrity test)
5.3 Commissioning test (loading test)
Appendix A: Methodology used for the evaluation of stack height pressure performance
A.1 Introduction
A.2 Guidance features
A.3 Design codes (BS EN 12056-2)
A.4 Assessment of impact of height
A.5 Validation of AIRNET
A.6 Example: single stack (PV) system
A.6 Conclusions
Appendix B: Calculation method for water closet flush test
B.1 Introduction
B.2 Calculation method
B.3 WC flush times for a 100 mm stack
References and bibliography
Authors: Professor Michael Gormley (Heriot-Watt University) and Jassim Daureeawo (Vortex Ltd.)
Contributors: Dr David Campbell (Heriot-Watt University), Dr David Kelly (Heriot-Watt University), and
Dr Mohammed Sarwar (Heriot-Watt University)
Peer reviewers: John Lansing (Center for Building in North America), Tom Roberts (International Code Council, Australia) and Tom Wise (WSce, Australia)