CFD Numerical Simulation in Building Drainage Stacks as an Infection Pathway of COVID-19

Abstract

Being aware of global pandemics, this research focused on the potential infection routes in building drainage systems. Case studies have found that dysfunctional building drainage systems not only failed to block contaminants but also potentially became a route for the spreading of viruses. Several fluid simulations in pipelines were conducted in this research using COMSOL Multiphysics. In particular, virus transmission from one patient’s room to other uninfected residential units through pipelines was visualized. A 12-story building, which is commonly seen in the local area, was designed as a simulation model to visualize the transmission and analyze its hazards. Furthermore, five environmental factors were filtered out for discussion: distance, time span, pressure, initial concentration, and environment temperature. By manipulating these factors, the relationship between the factors and the behavior of the contaminant could be explored. In addition, a simulation with a different pipeline arrangement was included to observe the virus diffusion behavior under different scenarios. The visualized simulation concluded that the contaminant would spread through the drainage system and arrive at the neighboring four floors within an hour under the circumstances of a 12-story building with broken seals and constant pressure and contaminant supply on the seventh floor. Meanwhile, the whole building would be exposed to infection risks by the continuous virus spreading through a drainage system. Distance, time span, and pressure were considered critical factors that affected indoor contamination in the system. On the other hand, initial concentration and environmental temperature did not have significant roles. Visualizing the behavior of viruses provides a glimpse of what happens behind walls, paving the way for recognizing the importance of maintaining functional drainage systems for individuals’ health.