Title :
RFID Instrumentation in a Field Application
Author :
Watkins, Steve E. ; Swift, Theresa M. ; Molander, Martha J.
Author_Institution :
Univ. of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla
Abstract :
The behavior of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags is investigated in a field application. The RFID instrumentation is used to mark the position of point strain sensors in a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), short-span bridge. The tags are surface mounted on carbon FRP structural elements and covered with a resin wear layer, i.e. the deck of the bridge. The smart composite bridge was installed in 2000 and serves as a field testbed for various sensor technologies including the RFID tags. The operation of the RFID network is tested in the field and compared to laboratory tags. Specific research issues include long-term survivability after six years, behavior on carbon FRP material, and environmental effects of weather, especially the presence of water. The feasibility of short-range RFID tags as location markers is discussed. The results show the suitability of RFID technology for field environments.
Keywords :
bridges (structures); fibre reinforced composites; radiofrequency identification; resins; strain sensors; wear; RFID identification tags; carbon FRP structural elements; fiber-reinforced polymer; point strain sensors; resin wear layer; smart composite bridge; Bridges; Capacitive sensors; Fiber reinforced plastics; Instruments; Intelligent sensors; Optical fiber sensors; RFID tags; Radio frequency; Radiofrequency identification; Testing; RFID tags; fiber reinforced polymer composites; smart structures;
Conference_Titel :
Region 5 Technical Conference, 2007 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Fayetteville, AR
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-1280-8
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4244-1280-8
DOI :
10.1109/TPSD.2007.4380343
