Embedding RFID Tags into Modular Textile Floor Coverings and Integration in BIM

This paper investigates the embedding of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponders in modular textile floor coverings and their integration into the Building Information Model (BIM). The aim of the research was to embed passive RFID tags into modular textile floor coverings (e.g. carpets) and to identify the suitable embedding methods for the RFID tags in order to verify the performance, especially the signal strength and reading performance of the tags. The RFID reader has a Bluetooth interface and thus enables read IDs to be passed on to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones or tablets. As a novel approach, BIM models were wirelessly connected to physical building materials such as floor coverings by using RFID tags in a cross-platform application. Application areas include material tracking, warehouse inventory management, transport planning and real-time model-based indoor navigation systems. By embedding of RFID tags into the modular textile floor materials, the information associated with the materials can be more easily identified and retrieved throughout the lifecycle. These tags can be used for the information transfer of product data, e.g. properties that are stored in the product information system, instructions for cleaning and recycling of the materials.