Chemical/Biological/Radiaton (CBR) Safety of the Building Envelope

The design and construction of safe and secure buildings continues to be the primary goal for owners, architects, engineers, and project managers. Security and safety measures, such as those for anti-terrorism and force protection (ATFP), must be considered within a total project context, including impacts on occupants and the environment, regardless of the level of protection deemed appropriate. This article includes the consideration of impacts to the facility HVAC systems in general, and those systems interacting with the building envelope specifically. Of particular concern are airflow patterns and dynamics both inside and outside of buildings, especially pertaining to the internal release or external release of chemical, biological or radiological contaminant, and the measures necessary to limit airborne contamination.