The objective of this paper is to examine experimentally the applicability of a structuralhealth monitoring system employing TRIP (transformation induced plasticity) steels. Thecapability of TRIP steels in the assessment of structural performance degradation wasevaluated through material tests. The magnetic characteristics of TRIP steels under tensileand compressive uniaxial loadings were investigated through the measurement of inducedvoltage. The stress–strain hysteresis and the associated magnetic alternation of TRIPsteels were identified. Furthermore, plate-bending tests and beam-bending testswere carried out in order to study the damage-detection characteristics. As theconclusion, the dual function of TRIP steels, serving as both a high ductilityload-carrying member and a sensor to monitor damage accumulation, was confirmed.