Novel Opto-Electronic Systems for Infrastructure Sustainability (NOESIS)

About

NOESIS addresses one of the most urgent global challenges: reducing the environmental impact of the construction and infrastructure sectors, which together account for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions. With many civil assets ageing rapidly and lacking modern design standards, the need for smarter, more sustainable solutions has never been greater.

This initiative focuses on the development of novel opto-electronic sensing systems combined with edge computing and data-driven approaches to transform the way infrastructure is built, maintained, and monitored. NOESIS aims to reduce material and energy use, enhance the longevity of structures, and support better decision-making through real-time, intelligent diagnostics and prognostics.

Our research advances the technology readiness of AiPT’s sensing and telecommunication platforms, targeting wide-ranging applications across roads, railways, public buildings, and utility networks. By improving the efficiency, versatility, and integration of these sensing systems, NOESIS supports the UK’s national infrastructure agenda through its contribution to the UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC).

Bringing together expertise from civil engineering, photonics, electronics, and computer science, NOESIS is setting a foundation for next-generation infrastructure that is smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

Our Projects

Machine Learning-Enhanced Monitoring of Aging Railway Bridges

An autonomous structural health monitoring (SHM) system—featuring a network of fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, acoustic emission sensors, and accelerometers—has been deployed on a Victorian railway bridge in Leeds. Powered by solar energy, the system detects structural degradation by integrating real-time data with a train identification algorithm. Recent enhancements using statistical analysis and machine learning allow the system to differentiate between mechanical damage and normal variations from train loads and temperature. Recognized with the Rail Visionary NCE TechFest Award, the project has expanded to multiple bridge monitoring initiatives in collaboration with Network Rail and National Highways.

Alexakis, H., Cocking, S., Tziavos, N. I., Din-Houn Lau, F., Schooling, J. & DeJong, M. Sensor-based structural assessment of aging bridges. in Data Driven Methods for Civil Structural Health Monitoring and Resilience: Latest Developments and Applications (eds. Noori, M., Rainieri, C., Domaneschi, M. & Sarhosis, V.) 76-97 (CRC Press, 2023).

Temperature-Immune Strain Sensing with Mode-Locked Fibre Lasers

In collaboration with the University of Cambridge, researchers are pioneering a new strain sensing technique using mode-locked fibre lasers for civil infrastructure monitoring. The system leverages intracavity pulse interference to detect strain, while naturally decoupling temperature effects. Demonstrated with a resolution of 20 microstrain and a 4 millistrain dynamic range, this innovative sensor operates in the radio-frequency domain—eliminating the need for costly optical spectrum analysers. Its robust, temperature-independent performance makes it ideal for deployment in demanding environments.

Kbashi, H. J., Sheil, B. B. & Perego A. M. A mode-locked fibre laser temperature independent strain sensor based on intracavity pulse interference. Optics and Lasers in Engineering 176, 108040 (2024).

Low-Frequency Acoustic Sensing with Tilted Fibre Bragg Gratings

In collaboration with Guizhou University, Dr. Kaiming Zhou has developed a high-sensitivity acoustic sensing system using small-angle tilted fibre Bragg gratings (TFBG). The sensor, bonded to a PET transducer membrane, detects low-frequency acoustic waves through elastic deformation, affecting the ghost mode of the TFBG. The system demonstrates a sensitivity of 509 mV/Pa, a 59 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and a wide, flat frequency response from 85 to 1500 Hz. This technology holds promise for applications in early warning systems for natural disasters and structural health monitoring of bridges, railways, and wind turbine blades.

Tian, J., Zuo, Y.-W., Zhou, K.-M., Yang, Q., Hu, X., & Jiang, Y. Low Acoustic Frequency Sensing Based on Ghost Mode of Small Angle Tilted Fiber Bragg Grating. Journal of Lightwave Technology 42, 2538-2543 (2024)

Low-Cost Damage Detection in Concrete Using Ultrasound Patches

Researchers from Aston University and Politecnico di Milano, led by Dr. Haris Alexakis, are exploring a novel method for assessing damage in reinforced concrete beams using low-cost ultrasound patches. These patches cost only 3% of conventional acoustic emission sensors, yet deliver comparable sensitivity. Functioning in both passive and active modes, they enable deeper material inspection through guided waves. This Royal Society-funded project presents a promising, cost-effective solution for structural health monitoring in construction materials.

Cazzulani G., H. Alexakis (2024) Comparison between acoustic emission sensors and piezoelectric patches for damage detection in concrete beams, e-Journal of Nondestructive Testing 29(7), DOI: 10.58286/29827