Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a critical challenge for ensuring the safety and reliability of advanced structures. This presentation focuses on the SHM of single lap joints bonded with polyurethane and epoxy adhesives, used to join CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) substrates. The experimental investigation analyzed the strain state of the joints using a combination of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and fiber optic sensors. A significant finding of the experimental phase was the identification of a fixed point, referred to as the Zero Strain Point (ZSP). This point remains stationary during loading until damage initiates, which is detected by a deviation from the linearity of the load-displacement curve of the joint. As damage propagates, the ZSP begins to shift, enabling the progression of damage to be effectively monitored through its movement. The experimental results were correlated with an analytical model based on the Bigwood-Crocombe approach and finite element method (FEM) simulations. This integration of experimental observations and numerical analyses provided a comprehensive understanding of joint behavior under shear forces. Based on these analyses, an advanced monitoring strategy was developed, leveraging the synergy between fiber optic sensors and FEM analyses to achieve real-time health assessment of adhesive joints. This methodology represents a significant step toward implementing reliable SHM systems capable of continuous and predictive monitoring of composite joints, with promising implications across various industrial applications.