Design of a Geotextile Roadbed Antenna to Create a Wireless Highway Network

Abstract

Incorporation of antennas into geotextile fabric to create a roadbed reinforcement with electronic transmission capabilities may find use in expanding communications infrastructures. The design of a model transmission capable fabric and its components are discussed. Signal attenuation resulting from burying these antennas under asphalt was measured. Model antennas were designed and tested using copper tape and a geotextile fabric. A feed structure design was implemented and impedance matching issues were addressed. Measurements of antennas constructed using copper tape indicated that antennas properly woven into roadbed fabric should perform adequately. Proposed efforts to create an electronic transmission capable roadbed with woven conducting components are discussed.