Using commercial UHF-RFID wireless tags to detect structural damage

The use of commercial UHF-RFID tags for civil engineering purposes has been investigated, specifically for the monitoring of out-of-plane displacements of brick walls, representing an application novelty since commercial tags are usually used in logistics and other purposes. The feasibility of the application of this technique was assessed by laboratory and in situ experimental campaign. The response of the Tags in laboratory environment demonstrated to be satisfactory, proving that the application of these wireless RFID tags is feasible, potentially very reliable. In situ experiment showed a weaker response of the Tags due to environmental interference caused by the high presence of metal which negatively affected the transmission of the electromagnetic signal, and consequently the indirect measurements of displacements. Despite some limits, the application is promising and opens new scenarios for the design of new wireless tags suitable to meet the required needs.