Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Across Disciplines

2nd Edition - From Heritage to Innovation: Exploring the Future of Structural Health Monitoring

Join an International Learning Experience in Structural Engineering.

The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Across Disciplines” is an Erasmus+ short-term mobility experience hosted by the University of Bergamo (UniBg).

Building on the success of the first edition at Riga Technical University, this second edition brings together students and academic staff from across Europe to explore how Structural Health Monitoring can transform the way we understand, preserve, and manage structures.

This is more than a course: it is a hands-on international laboratory of ideas, technologies, and collaboration.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a key tool for the future of engineering, combining:

  • Experimental testing
  • Structural dynamics
  • Digital modelling
  • Data analysis
  • Heritage conservation strategies

In this programme, SHM becomes a shared interdisciplinary language between Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and the broader field of built heritage preservation.

Coordinated by five partners

  • Università degli studi di Bergamo, Italy (coordinating and receiving Institutions)
  • Riga Technical University, Latvia
  • Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Germany
  • Silesian University of Technology, Poland
  • Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy

Academic outcome

Upon successful participation and completion of coursework, students will receive 3 ECTS points.

Finances

  • You can employ an Erasmus+ scholarship for your stay in Bergamo to be provided by your home University
  • No fees for the BIP will be charged

Please contact your International Office for the nomination. Note that there are only 20 places available.

The applicants have to correspond to B1 level of English proficiency.

The BIP combines online learning, an immersive international experience in Bergamo, and collaborative project work, offering a dynamic and practice-oriented training opportunity within the Erasmus+ framework.

At the heart of the programme is a clear and engaging learning journey:

Learning Journey: Why → How → What

A simple but powerful path guiding participants through the full SHM experience:

  • Why SHM?
    Discover why Structural Health Monitoring is transforming engineering and heritage conservation
     
  • How to do SHM?
    Learn by doing through experiments, measurements, and modelling activities
     
  • That’s SHM!
    Apply your knowledge to real case studies and turn data into engineering decisions

Online Phase: 7-10 July 2026

Start your journey before arriving in Italy!

During the online week, participants will:

  • Meet lecturers and international peers
  • Get introduced to the programme and case studies
  • Explore the fundamentals of Structural Health Monitoring
  • Discuss structural safety, risk, and heritage preservation

Intensive Week in Bergamo: 7-11 September 2026

An immersive on-site experience at the University of Bergamo.

Participants will:

  • Work directly with real structural systems
  • Take part in experimental vibration testing and monitoring activities
  • Analyse and interpret real data
  • Explore how digital tools support modern engineering decisions (HBIM, Digital Twins)

Learn by Doing Together

This BIP is built around active participation and teamwork:

  • Real laboratory and field-based experiments
  • International and interdisciplinary group work
  • Close interaction with academic tutors
  • Collaboration between Civil and Mechanical Engineering students

Collaborative International Project – “That’s SHM!”

Work in international teams on real or realistic engineering challenges such as:

  • An historical pedestrian bridge in Trezzo sull’Adda
  • A scaled steel frame in both intact and damaged configurations

Final Showcase

The experience concludes with a final international presentation session:

  • Short group presentations (max 10 minutes)
  • Maximum 5 slides per team
  • Open discussion with academic staff and peers

Phase 1: Online Sessions

6–10 July 2026

The online phase will open with a kick-off meeting and programme presentation, followed by student introductions and a short survey on background and expectations. Short introductory lectures on Structural Health Monitoring and related topics will also be offered.

The connection link for the online sessions will be published shortly before the beginning of the programme.

 

Phase 2: Intensive Week in Bergamo (Italy)

7–11 September 2026

The intensive on-site week at the University of Bergamo will provide a hands-on and immersive learning experience in Structural Health Monitoring.

A detailed programme of activities will be updated progressively and shared closer to the event, in order to reflect final contributions and organizational refinements.