Ashley P. Thrall completed her Ph.D. in the “Design and Optimization of Linkage-Based Movable Bridges” in May 2011 under the direction of Sigrid Adriaenssens, Maria Garlock, and David Billington. This research focused on developing new forms for movable bridges utilizing linkages as the main structural and kinematic elements. The research methodology has included using physical shape-finding techniques to develop new conceptual designs that utilize mechanical advantage to minimize power demands. The geometry and the section profiles of each conceptual design are optimized for minimum self-weight and minimum force for operation. She is currently the Cardinal John O’Hara, C.S.C. Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame where she directs the Kinetic Structures Laboratory (www.nd.edu/~athrall).
Publications:
Thrall A.P., Zhu M.,Guest J., Paya-Zaforteza I.,Adriaenssens S.(2012). ‘Structural Optimization of Deploying Steel Pantographs’. In: ASCE Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering (accepted for publication)
Thrall A.P., Adriaenssens S., Paya-Zaforteza I, Zoli E. (2012). ‘Linkage Based Movable Bridge Forms: Design Methodology and Three Novel Forms‘. In: Engineering Structures, v.37,pp.214-223.
Thrall A., Adriaenssens S., Zoli T.P. (2012). ‘A Linkage-Based Movable Bridge Form: Design and Optimisation’. ASCE Structures Congress, Chicago, USA.
Thrall A., Adriaenssens S., Zoli T. (2011). ‘Applications for Linkages in Movable Bridge Design’. Structural Morpohology Workshop IABSE-IASS Symposium, London, UK.
Thrall A., Adriaenssens S. (2010).’Case studies in integrating mechanical and structural systems in movable bridges’., IASS 2010. Shanghai, China.