Performance investigation of staircase pressure differential systems in Norwegian high-rises - local practice and functionality

There are several unique challenges in designing high-rise buildings: increased heights may impact energy consumption, indoor climate, and construction methods. However, a crucial impact of increased height is on evacuation, where longer evacuation times and an increased risk of smoke influence egress. Pressurization of stairwells is a common method employed in high-rise buildings to ensure safe evacuation for occupants and decrease risk of smoke. In Norway, a national norm has long been the practice of pressurization, but its methods differ significantly from international standards. How do pressure differential systems (PDS) in Norway function, and should there be a transition to newer European standards? This study examined 22 PDS-equipped stairwells in the greater Oslo area. Ten of these underwent extensive field tests with stairwells ranging from 10 to 20 floors, located in four buildings completed between the year 2020 and 2022. The field tests found that PDS designs based on Norwegian norm did not function satisfactorily. Central characteristics of PDS-systems were not documented, and none of the systems were found to have been adequately tested after completion. Existing national norms should be promptly revised. Furthermore, the preliminary testing results may be used in future design and study of pressurized staircases.