Thornton Tomasetti Foundation Grant
Prof. Segal has received a grant from the Thornton Tomasetti Foundation for the research project, “Rapid Rope Bridge Deployment.” The project’s goal is to develop a suspended rope footbridge that can be rapidly deployed within a walking network that has been damaged by flooding or another disaster. The bridge may be used only for rescue or remain in place for a longer period while a more permanent connection is re-established. Specifically, the footbridge will be designed so that it can be constructed from only one side of the crossing (i.e., the second side is not initially accessible). Unconventional support structures such as emergency support vehicles or trees will anchor both ends of the bridge.
October 2018