Challenges for Embedding RFID Sensors in Reinforced Concrete for Low-effort Structural Health Monitoring

The structural health of civil infrastructure can be monitored using non‐destructive testing methods and wireless sensor technology. Buildings are often made of reinforced concrete, in which the sensors can be embedded during construction. The implementation of sensor‐based monitoring therefore fundamentally requires robust electronics. The wireless sensors must meet the special requirements of different areas such as communication, durability in the concrete, and compatibility with future readers. Taking into account previous approaches from practice and research, an elicitation of basic requirements for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor system that can be embedded in concrete was carried out. Specific problems related to embedding electronic sensors in concrete and their design are investigated. Simple RFID sensor systems have been developed that allow operation without cables or batteries. The main sensor requirements are listed accordingly. Challenges and issues that need to be considered when using RFID sensors in concrete are described. Finally, the “life cycle” of a sensor system embedded in reinforced concrete is briefly discussed.