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RAETRAD MODEL OF RADON GAS GENERATION, TRANSPORT, AND INDOOR ENTRY
Citation:
Nielson, K., V. C. Rogers, V. Rogers, AND R. Holt. RAETRAD MODEL OF RADON GAS GENERATION, TRANSPORT, AND INDOOR ENTRY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-94/198 (NTIS 95-142030), 1994.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
The report describes the theoretical basis, implementation, and validation of the Radon Emanation and Transport into Dwellings (RAETRAD) model, a conceptual and mathematical approach for simulating radon (222Rn) gas generation and transport from soils and building foundations to the indoor environment. t has been implemented in a computer code of the same name to provide a relatively simple, inexpensive means of estimating indoor radon entry rates and concentrations. AETRAD uses the complete, multi-phase differential equations to calculate radon generation, decay, and transport by both diffusion and advection (with pressure-driven air flow). he equations are implemented in a steady-state, 2-dimensional finite-difference mode with elliptical-cylindrical geometry for maximum efficiency and modeling detail. or validation, the air flow part of RAETRAD was compared with a 2-dimensional analytical calculation of air flow through a uniform field. ariations of < 1% were observed between the analytical and numerical pressure fields. he radon generation, decay, and transport part of RAETRAD was validated by similar comparisons with 1-dimensional analytical calculations for open and concrete-covered soils. ost radon concentration profiles and surface radon fluxes for these comparisons were also within 1%.