A Concise State-of-the-Art Review of Crack Monitoring Enabled by RFID Technology

Cracking is an important factor affecting the performance and life of large structures. In order to maximize personal safety and reduce costs, it is highly necessary to carry out research on crack monitoring technology. Sensors based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antennas have the advantages of wireless and low cost, which makes them highly competitive in the field of structure health monitoring (SHM). Thus, this study systematically summarizes the research progress of crack monitoring based on RFID technology in recent years. Firstly, this study introduces the causes of cracks and the traditional monitoring methods. Further, this study summarizes several main RFID-based crack monitoring and detection methods, including crack monitoring based on chipless RFID technology, passive RFID technology, and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID technology, including the implementation methods, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of those technologies. In addition, for RFID-based crack monitoring applications, the two most commonly used materials are concrete materials and metal materials, which are also illustrated in detail. In general, this study can provide technical support and a theoretical basis for crack monitoring and detection to ensure the safety of engineering structures.