1.1.1. Short description of the project summary This interdisciplinary project envisages development of new energy efficient fiber-based optical sensors based on FBG and solutions for continuous monitoring of technical condition of roads and embankments. This practical project focuses mainly on researching innovative FBG sensor technologies and solutions, which are used to observe wear of materials – changes in mechanical parameters, microcrack constructions, as well as deformations of embankments. The FBG sensors studied allow instantaneous identification of cracks and construction defects in structures while they are still small, thus reducing repair costs and significantly contributing to the safety of the public transport system. The project will develop and validate a model of final road duvets, taking into account both laboratory-based physical model of road duvet and road surface in operation. In cooperation with the representatives of construction and telecommunications industries, a technical condition assessment of road duvets will be carried out and a technological solution for FBG fiber optical sensors will be developed, which will undergo an experimental test of performance, durability and stability. The project also includes long-term research activities aimed at experimental development of the existing technology, acquisition of new interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation, as well as a well-considered strategy for knowledge and technology transfer. Optical sensors, fibre Brega grids, transport geotechnics, technical condition monitoring of structures.1.1.2. Full description of the project The aim of the project is to develop new energy efficient and sustainable FBG-based optical sensor solutions for technical condition monitoring (shm) of structures such as roads and their embankments.The expected research category of the project is experimental development and industrial research. The submitted project complies with the following fields of science:*Construction;*Electrical engineering, electronics, information engineering.The project will be implemented by a scientific institution, it will be a project not related to economic activities. The following main project activities will be carried out within the project:1. Study of types of fibre optical sensors, processing of incoming optical signal and their application in the determination of technical conditions of pavement;2. Research of optical sensor network in a simulation environment and development of an experimental, improved FBG-based optical sensor data processing system;3. Development and testing of a physical road blanket under laboratory conditions;4. Testing of the road in service with the developed FBG sensor signal processing system;5. Dissemination of the results created within the project – preparation of publications for publication, protection of technology rights, conclusion of an intellectual property licence agreement.Project partner, company SIA AFFOC Solutions, is involved in activities where FBG sensor signal processing system is developed, integration and testing in the construction of an existing road. Flexible mathematical simulation model of optical sensor network; 2. A new solution based on FBG-based optical sensors and the associated optical signal processing system, capable of providing sustainable sensors at a distance of at least 20 km;3. Model of the road blanket final element method and physical model of road construction;4. Original scientific articles accepted for publication in journals or conference articles;5. Patent on developed optical sensor technology;6. Intellectual property licence agreement.* Total eligible project costs are EUR 648000. * Green procurement will be carried out within the project.*The planned duration of the project is 36 months. *The planned starting date is March 1, 2017, and the end date is February 29, 2020.
