UFC 3-400-02
28 FEBRUARY 2003
NOTE: The same precautions that apply to heating and cooling equipment also apply
to dehumidification and humidification systems. Oversized equipment may not control
properly under typical operating conditions without special attention from the engineer.
2-3
DATA SET PAGE 2: AVERAGE ANNUAL CLIMATE. Figure 2-2 is an
example of Data Set Page 2, a graph summarizing the site's average annual climate.
2-3.1
Explanation of Graph. The graph on Data Set Page 2 shows the site's
monthly mean temperature, dew point, and precipitation. The bar graph representing
precipitation uses the scale on the right side of the chart (inches or centimeters). Lines
of temperature and dew point use the scale on the left side of the chart (degrees
Fahrenheit or Celsius). These charts have fixed maximum and minimum values on their
axes for easy comparison between different sites. The precipitation chart is capped at a
maximum of 45 centimeters (15 inches) per month. A few sites may exceed this value,
but to keep the graph readable, a fixed maximum value was used. For a number of
sites, no accurate precipitation data was available. In those cases, no bars appear on
the chart.
2-3.2
Suggestions For Use
2-3.2.1
The Data Set Page 2 graph displays the average behavior of weather over
a single year. An architect can compare rainfall patterns at one station with another and
also the relative importance of water resistance for the exterior envelope. An engineer
can compare the temperature and moisture patterns to understand the relative
importance of sensible heat loads rather than latent loads at this location.
2-3.2.2
W ith averages displayed by month, it is relatively easy to comprehend
seasonal variation of each variable, and also to understand which specific months are
likely to be hot or cold, humid or dry, or have high precipitation. This can be helpful for
mission planning, as well as for planning construction and building operation.
NOTE: This graph displays averages, not design or extreme values. Data shown
should not be used to determine equipment capacities or thermal characteristics of
building envelopes.
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