Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is collaborating with Southwest Jiaotong and Dalian Jiaotong universities to study the use of advanced fiber Bragg grating sensor (FBG) systems for monitoring the structural health and safety of China’s fast-expanding high-speed rail system. PolyU researchers and their mainland partners have installed the monitoring system in several sections of the rail system. Hundreds of optical sensors will provide information on vibration, acceleration and temperature change, helping engineers to monitor the condition of tracks and railcars as well as the foundation’s structural health. Professor Timothy W. Tong, PolyU president, and professor Alex Wai, vice president of research development, will lead the delegation performing the test ride along the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Rail before its official opening. Professor Ni Yiqing of PolyU has been working closely with Dalian Jiaotong University to install PolyU’s optical sensors. The real-time data provided by the system can keep track of wind pressure, train speed, axle balance and vibration data. Using another kind of optical sensor, Ni and Yan Jianhua are collaborating with Southwest Jiaotong University to monitor the settlement of the rail’s foundation. PolyU will host the First International Workshop on High-Speed and Intercity Railways from July 20 to 22 in Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The workshop is co-organized with Southwest Jiaotong, Beijing Jiaotong, Dalian Jiaotong, Zhejiang and Tsinghua universities, and with China Engineering Consultants Inc. (Taiwan). Using ultrasonic-wave technology, the team has developed a system that can instantaneously detect cracks arising from metallic fatigue and corrosion of key parts of the track and rail. This system can be combined with laser actuating/sensing technology to monitor the structural health of bridges, tunnels, tracks, train bodies, bogie frames and wheel axles. For more information, visit: www.polyu.edu.hk/opa