Abstract
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tracer stones are an increasingly popular tool in sediment transport research. A key limitation of RFID tracers is the sensitivity of their detection zone shape to the orientation of the transponder. The variability in detection zone shapes reduces detection rates by obscuring tracer positions and creating complex interference effects when multiple tracer stones are within the antenna detection field. This paper presents two designs and prototypes of the “Wobblestone,” a synthetic tracer stone that ensures the transponder remains vertical regardless of the stone orientation. The designs feature a weighted inner ball containing the transponder that is free to rotate under gravity and correct to a vertical orientation. The prototypes were fabricated using a high-density polyurethane resin and corundum powder mixture. The prototypes achieved densities within the range of natural stone and confirmed the durability of the material. Performance tests verified the vertical orientation of the transponder regardless of the stone orientation and demonstrated an opportunity for the determination of tracer burial depth. The new tracers will reduce signal interference from closely spaced tracers by simplifying detection zone shapes and will allow for information on the vertical position of buried particles to be obtained.
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Data Availability Statement
All data from the performance tests conducted on both prototypes and the buried depth tests conducted on the second prototype can be found in the online repository: https://doi.org/10.5683/SP2/O9XJPF.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank J. Hufnagel, J. Krick, and T. Raso for contributing to early brainstorming of the tracer stone design, as well as A. Cain for assistance in the performance tests. Financial support for the project was provided by a National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Strategic Grant to the fourth author and an NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship to the first author. Finally, the authors would also like to thank the editors and reviewers for providing useful comments and suggestions to improve this manuscript.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 145 • Issue 12 • December 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 5, 2018
Accepted: Apr 22, 2019
Published online: Sep 24, 2019
Published in print: Dec 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Feb 24, 2020
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Antennas
- Automatic identification systems
- Communication systems
- Continuum mechanics
- Detection methods
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Electronic equipment
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Engineering mechanics
- Equipment and machinery
- Infrastructure
- Lifeline systems
- Material durability
- Material mechanics
- Material properties
- Materials engineering
- Methodology (by type)
- Motion (dynamics)
- Probe instruments
- River engineering
- Rotation
- Sediment
- Sediment transport
- Solid mechanics
- Stones
- Water and water resources
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