Maintenance-Free Wireless Sensor Networks for Infrastructure Monitoring

This paper proposes a solution for wireless monitoring of concrete structures using batteryless wireless sensor nodes based on UHF RFID technology. The system comprises a reader device and one or more wireless sensor nodes, which are connected to various sensors. The wireless sensor nodes are powered by the reader, and the communication protocol is based on ISO 18000-63. An external chloride sensor is used to gauge the concentration of chloride ions, which indicate the degree of corrosion of the concrete structure. The proposed system eliminates the need for cables or batteries and allows for data collection in hard-to-reach areas. To ensure reliable operation of the system, an automated antenna design methodology has been proposed that utilizes a pixelated structure based on a cross-shaped pattern. The methodology employs an evolutionary algorithm to generate an initial population of antenna designs, which are subjected to electromagnetic simulation using a commercial simulation tool. The performance of the sensor platform was evaluated in concrete blocks, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for monitoring concrete structures.