Structural Health Monitoring
| Study location | Latvia, Riga |
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| Academic field | Building and civil engineering (ISCED 0732) |
| Type | Erasmus+ BIP, short-term |
| Nominal duration | Full program: 30 Jun - 12 Sep, 2025; In person (Riga): 8 Sep - 12 Sep, 2025 (3 ECTS) |
| Study language | English |
| Entry qualification | • Graduate, undergraduate and PhD students in civil, mechanical and structural engineering, and architecture. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. No qualification documents needed |
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| Territory requirements | Applications are accepted from the following territories (based on citizenship): Europe. |
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| Language requirements | English |
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| Other requirements | A motivation letter must be added to your application. Participants are supposed to cover their expenses with the Erasmus+ grant provided by the home institution. Please contact the International Office of your home university to get more information on funding. Staff members need to be nominated by their home university to participate in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). |
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Overview
This year, Riga Technical University (RTU) is launching its first Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). It will be delivered in the manner of the a comprehensive approach, ensuring a delivery of theoretical knowledge and development of practical skills.
In addition, participants will have the unique opportunity to attend the lectures and workshops of the IMST 2025 Conference – International Conference on Innovative Materials, Structures, and Technologies.
ABOUT
SHM is a critical discipline for maintaining the safety, reliability, and longevity of infrastructure. With growing global challenges in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of built environments, there is a pressing need to equip researchers, engineers, and students with the skills and knowledge required to monitor and maintain structural integrity effectively.
The aim of this BIP is to provide undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from European universities with a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles and concepts of structural health monitoring in various engineering structures. Within the framework of the BIP program, students will acquire fundamental knowledge of SHM through structured lectures. The program will offer students an opportunity to gain insight into the practical application of SHM systems, based on real-world experience shared by leading scientists in the field.
In addition to lectures, students will participate in a group project where they will jointly develop and present a project related to structural health monitoring. At the conclusion of this practical task, a discussion involving both professors and students will provide participants with the chance to exchange ideas on best practices in SHM applications and future engineering challenges.
This comprehensive approach ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills and understanding, preparing them for real-world SHM applications in their future careers.
This BIP aims to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical applications of SHM by providing participants with comprehensive training in the field.
PROGRAMME
The programme combines an online activity and a one-week physical activity, taking place in Riga, Latvia:
1. Lectues and group work for the Project | June 30 – July 4, 2025 | Virtual Component
2. Lectures, practical activities, site visits, attendance of IMST 2025 and Project development and defense | September 8 – 12, 2025 | Physical Part in Riga
3. Language: fully taught in English
4. 3 ECTS will be awarded upon successful completion
OBJECTIVES
1. Enhance Knowledge: Introduce participants to the fundamental concepts, techniques, and recent advancements in SHM.
2. Develop Skills: Provide hands-on experience with sensors, data acquisition systems, and analysis tools.
3. Promote Collaboration: Foster networking and collaboration among participants, industry professionals, and academia.
4. Solve Real-World Problems: Encourage participants to address real-world challenges in infrastructure monitoring and maintenance through practical exercises.
COORDINATED BY FOUR PARTNERS
• RTU (Latvia)
• Università Politecnica delle Marche (UnivPM – Italy)
• University of Bergamo (UniBg – Italy)
• Silesian University of Technology (SUT – Poland)
INSTRUCTORS
• prof. Līga Gaile RTU
• prof. Marek Salamak SUT
• assoc. prof. Andrzej Katunin SUT
• assoc. prof. Rosalba Ferrari UniBg
• assoc. prof. Andrea Belleri UniBg
• asoc.prof. Marina Cerpinska RTU
• assist.prof. Sandris Ručevskis RTU
• assist. prof. Vanni Nicoletti UnivPM
• assist. prof. Marcin Jasiński SUT
• assist. prof. Erica Magagnini UnivPM
• assist. prof. Waldemar Mucha SUT
• Leading researcher Rimas Janeliukstis RTU
FINANCES
• You can employ an Erasmus+ scholarship for your stay in Riga to be provided by your home University;
• Lunch and social programme is provided by RTU (travel costs need to be covered by the participants);
• No fees for the BIP will be charged.
APPLICATION
Apply here! By 13 April 2025.
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.
CONTACTS
For organizational matters:
RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY: Eriks Badamsins (eriks.badamsins@rtu.lv)
For academic/course-related questions:
RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY: Sandris Ručevskis (sandris.rucevskis@rtu.lv)