Methodology 

The SENSKIN overall methodology includes the initiation of the project activities starting from the user requirements extraction that will lead to the definition of the system specifications and system architecture (WP1). This first WP will drive all technical activities of the project, giving direct feedback to all technical work packages. In turn, WP2 will be developing the monitoring system including the dielectric material capacitive strain sensor and its surrounding hardware/software (power management, packaging etc). In parallel WP3 activities will be focusing on the communication system development and its integration with all system subcomponents. WP4 activities will concentrate on the lab evaluation of the developed sensing and data acquisition systems. WP5 will develop a methodology based on measurements from strain sensors will assess the structural condition of the monitored bridge under operating loads and after expected exposure to increased traffic, seismic loading or high winds. This WP will also produce the software implementations of the above methodologies in the Structural Modules. WP6 will develop a methodology for structural maintenance decisions that will take into account the bridge structural condition, LCC analyses and LCAs of the available rehabilitation options and to produce a software implementation of this methodology in the ‘Rehabilitation Planning’ Module. Finally, this WP will integrate the DSS with the monitoring system in WP3. WP7 will evaluate and benchmark the SENSKIN monitoring system and integrated package on actual bridges in terms of their technical performance, potential take up and operational deployment. Project management activities will wrap the whole project ensuring a smooth and precise project execution while dissemination and exploitation activities will be also running in parallel.