Keenan, Thomas P.Hakgudener, Serhan2018-03-152018-03-152018-03-06http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106436Providing healthy and effective wireless communication in the building environment is a challenge among architects and wireless network designers, due to physical indoor environmental factors. Wireless communication systems emit high-frequency waves both inside buildings and in the free space around us. There are a variety of EMW sources covering a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, spanning the frequency range from Hz to several hundred GHz. In building design, there are diverse approaches to provisions of wireless communication and constant innovation; however, the construction materials and EMW propagation relationship remain a secondary consideration. This research evaluates current power intensity levels range from 5 Hz to 10 GHz in building environments and develops guidelines for design professionals based upon an understanding of conventional building material properties. The research site survey that I conducted in the Calgary area, suggested in some cases, power spectral densities in building environments rose to levels that could possibly a problem. Incorporation of newly developed guidelines and security controls such as shielding, provided in this study, may prevent data confidentiality compromise in transit (e.g. eavesdropping) and prevent data integrity compromise in transit (e.g. hacking) for wireless communication systems in building environments. In this research, I develop the concept that effective EMW shielding can be achieved using conventional construction materials. The results of this study have significant implications for architectural design. The design method would reduce high power spectral densities by improving EMW shielding. Ultimately, I would like to see the developed shielding method in building codes and used in building projects all over the world.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.ArchitectureEducation--HealthEducation--TechnologyEnvironmental SciencesPublic HealthChemistry--RadiationElectricity and Magnetismdoctoral thesis10.11575/PRISM/30879