The FORESIGHT project is organized into six interlinked Work Packages (WPs), each addressing a critical step in developing and validating the novel structural health monitoring (SHM) approach using existing fiber-optic internet infrastructure.
WP1 – Project Management and Coordination
Lead: Politecnico di Milano
This WP ensures the project is delivered on time, within scope, and in alignment with ethical and scientific standards. Activities include project planning, risk management, financial monitoring, reporting, and coordination between the host institution (Polimi) and the research partner (INRiM). It also oversees the implementation of open science and data management practices.
Key Tasks:
– Kick-off, midterm, and closing meetings
– Progress monitoring and internal reporting
– Ethics and risk mitigation tracking
– Coordination with EU monitoring requirements
WP2 – State of the Art and Framework Definition
Lead: Research Fellow
This WP focuses on a detailed review of existing SHM techniques, fiber-optic sensing technologies (e.g., interferometry), and signal-processing approaches. Based on this review, a conceptual and mathematical framework is to be established to guide simulation and signal transformation phases.
Key Tasks:
– Literature survey of SHM methods using optical fibers
– Review of interferometric signal properties and limitations
– Definition of the simulation scope and performance metrics
– Documentation of theoretical framework and assumptions
WP3 – Numerical Modeling of Structural Response
Lead: Research Fellow
WP3 develops numerical structural models (e.g., shear frames) and simulates their response under ambient vibration and seismic input. These simulations generate strain data — the input for later fiber-signal transformation. The simulation uses time-domain solvers (e.g., Newmark-beta) and includes realistic modeling assumptions and uncertainties.
Key Tasks:
– Development of structural finite element models
– Simulation of Gaussian white noise and earthquake excitations
– Extraction of dynamic strain time histories
– Generation of datasets for various structural and loading conditions
WP4 – Fiber-Optic Signal Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis
Lead: Research Fellow + INRiM
This WP builds a transformation framework to convert fiber-optic responses into structural strain signals, based on interferometric sensing models. It also performs modal and sensitivity analysis on the resulting signals to assess feasibility, background noise resilience, and potential for real-world deployment.
Key Tasks:
– Signal transformation using interferometric principles
– Modeling of coupling conditions and signal distortion
– Sensitivity analysis to identify modal limits
– Comparison with real-world fiber noise characteristics
WP5 – Experimental Validation
Lead: Research Fellow + INRIM
To validate the methodology, FORESIGHT will test physical shear-frame models using both accelerometers and optical fiber sensors. This WP compares simulated fiber responses with those measured under controlled lab conditions, ensuring that theoretical assumptions hold in practice.
Key Tasks:
– Design and setup of laboratory experiments
– Data acquisition using accelerometers and fibers
– Signal comparison between measured and synthetic data
– Documentation of experimental findings and limitations
WP6 – Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation
Lead: Politecnico di Milano
This WP ensures that project results reach their intended audiences, including academia, industry, and policy stakeholders. Activities include developing the project website and visual identity, publishing research outcomes, participating in conferences, and preparing open-access data and tools.
Key Tasks:
– Website development and maintenance
– Press Releases
– Creation of visuals, logos, and scientific communication material
– Publication of papers and conference presentations
– Engagement with potential adopters in civil and telecom sectors