ESTIMATING CONCENTRATIONS IN PLUMES RELEASED IN THE VICINITY OF BUILDINGS - MODEL DEVELOPMENT

A model is developed for near-field diffusion of effluents released on and near buildings. The model consists of low-and high-speed diffusio n increments to the dispersion parameters in a Gaussian plume model. B uilding wake turbulence and diffusion data are used to evaluate model parameters. These data indicate that the low wind speed diffusion incr ement is both appropriate and necessary. They also indicate that the h igh-speed increment is appropriate, but that it is unnecessary. A comp anion paper compares model concentration predictions with measured con centrations, with concentrations predicted by standard wake models, an d with concentrations predicted by alternative, non-Gaussian models de signed to estimate bounding concentrations in building wakes. The mode l is shown to be conservative and predict concentrations in the vicini ty of buildings better than other models. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.