A Framework for the inclusion of RF transparency parameters into BIM databases

Abstract

With the deployment of an ever increasing number of radio based services, such as 5G, a complete understanding of the radio propagation phenomena inside buildings is expected to be of utterly importance in the future, both for appropriate indoor radio planning and assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Surprisingly, no regulations are currently in force which cover the RF transparency of buildings. It may well be justifiable on health and safety grounds (i.e. use of mobile phones or TETRA radio in emergency situations). For instance, there is substantial use of metal within current buildings which causes major problems for radio propagation. On the other hand, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is seen as a key technology and methodology to improve productivity and integration across various disciplines throughout the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) value chain. Although many valuable information has been added to such databases in the last years, detailed information about the radio wave propagation characteristics of buildings and building materials have been absent. This paper presents a multilayer Electromagnetic (EM) simulation tool to assess the radiofrequency transparency of building wall structures, which allows to explore different layer arrangements and determine the overall frequency response. In particular, the assessment of EM properties of different types of building walls commonly used in building construction, combined into one complete EM tool, is proposed. This is sought to be a valuable feature to be considered towards the integration with BIM-based simulation methods to provide unprecedented visualisation of the radio coverage within the building, allowing for the optimisation to meet specific facility radio requirements.