This research focuses on the development of a suspended rope footbridge that can be rapidly deployed within walking networks that have been damaged by floods and other disasters. The bridge can be used just for rescue or remain in place for a longer period while a more permanent connection is re-established. Specifically, the footbridge is being 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 anchor both ends of the bridge. Rapid rope bridge deployment of this kind could be used in a range of environments.


Funding

  • “New Rope Bridge Deployment Details for Variations in Site and Scale,” Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, 2020
  • “Rapid Rope Bridge Deployment,” Thornton Tomasetti Foundation, 2018
  • “Investigation of a Rapidly Deployable Polyester-Rope Suspended Footbridge,” Institution of Structural Engineers Research Fund Undergraduate Research Grant 2016/17, 2016

Publications

Elkowitz, L., Belitsis, N., and Segal, E. M. (2021). “Enhancements for Rapidly Deployable Suspended Footbridges.” Footbridge 2022, Madrid, Spain, doi: 10.24904/footbridge2022.015. [the paper was published in 2021 ahead of the conference in 2022]

Segal, E. M., Elkowitz, L., and Belitsis, N. (2020). “A Method for Rapidly Deploying Suspended Footbridges.” Structural Engineering International, 31(3), 357-367, doi: 10.1080/10168664.2020.1777617.


Video


Segal Structures Group Members