Studies on the use of wood in open area test sites

With the publication of consensus standards on the measurement of site attenuation, tools are now available to evaluate the structural materials commonly used in open area test sites. The suitability of wood is examined and the results shed light not only on its use, but the use of many plastic materials that are less conductive but have higher dielectric constants. The analysis indicates that dielectric constant and thickness, not conductivity, are the key factors to be considered in evaluating a material´s suitability. For materials of high dielectric constant reflections can be controlled by limiting thickness.<>