Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction
First Advisor
Josephine Lau
Date of this Version
5-2024
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Degree of Master of Science
Major: Architectural Engineering
Under the supervision of Professor Josephine Lau
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2024
May, 2024
Abstract
Indoor air quality and thermal environmental variables were measured in 55 classrooms in the mid-western United States spanning a full academic year. The studied air quality and environmental factors included carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, particle counts, air velocity, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.
Carbon dioxide and Particulate matter concentrations were measured for a four-day measurement period. Then one-day, two-day, and four-day occupied time average concentrations were calculated which were then compared statistically to figure out an appropriate measurement period for these air quality variables. Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the groups and confirm statistical differences. It was found that one-day occupied time CO2 and particulate measurements can provide acceptable values when compared to the multiple-day measurement. However, this one-day measurement should be repeated every season to capture seasonal differences in indoor air quality. The air quality variables were also compared between the Fall and Spring academic terms in school as well as between heating and non-heating seasons. The relative humidity, TVOC, and carbon monoxide were lower whereas nitrogen dioxide and ozone concentrations were higher in the heating season as compared to the non-heating season.
This research will provide information to school districts, facility managers, and researchers/engineers considering implementation of air quality measurement plans in a cost-efficient way, this research will also provide a reference for comparing seasonal differences in classrooms and other similar indoor environments.
Advisor: Josephine Lau
Included in
Architectural Engineering Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Environmental Public Health Commons, Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons, Other Education Commons
Comments
Copyright 2024, Daud Nosham. Used by permission