RFID Based Sensing for Structural Health Monitoring

Abstract

RFID is a rapidly developing technology of wireless communication and identification mostly used in supply chain systems, logistic and access control. Nowadays attempts to transfer this technology to other applications are carried out. This paper presents review of global researches performed last years, on application of RFID technology to tasks connected with wireless passive sensing in Structural Health Monitoring, with additional overview of works conducted in this subject by the authors. Sensors based on this technology require neither battery nor wire. It could be interrogated from distance, its lifetime is almost unlimited. Investigations, focused both on using RFID transponder as a sensing element, as well as, using antenna as a energy harvesting part that could power the sensor circuit, are mentioned. Performed studies show, that despite problems connected with using high frequencies, described wireless sensors should be useful for SHM tasks.