Cassiopeia

Earthquakes pose a significant threat to lives and infrastructure worldwide. Early detection of building damage is crucial for timely countermeasures and saving lives. The CASSIOPEIA research project addresses this challenge by developing a centralized, cost-effective, and scalable Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) sensor system based on fiber-optic sensors.

By integrating special fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and advanced telecommunications technology, numerous sensors can be centrally read and monitored. The system enables continuous or on-demand monitoring of the structural integrity of buildings. Sensor data provide the basis for building-specific classification of the current state—especially after earthquakes. This allows endangered buildings to be identified early and necessary actions to be taken.

The innovative sensor system uses multiplexing technologies (WDM/TDM) to connect more than 1,000 sensor points across multiple buildings to a central measurement unit. Relevant parameters—such as the building’s vibrations and eigenfrequencies—enable precise post-disaster analysis and rapid, reliable assessment of building safety. CASSIOPEIA is designed to meet the requirements of modern building monitoring in earthquake-prone regions.