Gain and transmission properties of an embedded microstrip patch antenna for structural health monitoring application

Abstract

Gain and Infrastructure health monitoring using embeddable wireless sensors has drawn considerable attention. Such sensors will need antennas to support data communication as well as wireless power reception functions. In this paper the gain and return loss properties of an embedded microstrip patch antenna within concrete are studied as function of the air-gap and concrete cover thickness. The transmission between one antenna in free-space and another embedded within concrete are measured to demonstrate the feasibility of wireless power transmission to the embedded sensor.