Electromagnetic attenuation through various types of buildings

The construction of exterior walls in a building or facility is usually determined by the structural and architectural needs. Many different building materials may be used, and their electrical characteristics might be unknown making it difficult to predict the reflection coefficient, the transmission coefficient and the complex propagation constant. This paper reviews the wave propagation and attenuation through exterior walls of common United States residential and commercial buildings. Some of the past analyses and measured data from previously tested construction materials are included. A simple model using a layered approach is also presented.