Structural Safety Assessment of 5G Network Infrastructures

What is it about?

While broadly known that 5G is the next big leap in wireless communication, it must not be forgotten that the telecommunication sector is supported and greatly depends on the safety and performance of physical infrastructures. Masts and towers used for broadcasting of radio and television have been gradually assimilated by the public, and now the attention is on the large number of smaller masts, towers, and poles used for mobile networks. However, most of the general public is unaware of the engineering and expert knowledge behind these common structures; masts, towers, and poles represent the most important structures for the installation of the radio equipment used in transmission of the electromagnetic waves, that provide services of unquestionable importance. Over the last few decades, the demand for these types of structures has increased due to the requirements for their use in the telecommunication sector, and the advent of mobile communication made this demand even greater.

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Why is it important?

This article introduces and discusses the fundamental elements needed for safety assessment of communication structures, presenting the insufficiencies of current design methodologies, and concluding with a comprehensive research proposal aiming to improve the safety of the telecommunication sector.