Ashley P. Thrall

Education

PhD, Princeton University, 2011

MA, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 2009

MSE, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 2008

BA, Physics, Vassar College, 2004

Biography

Fellowships, Honors, and Awards:

National Science Foundation Early Faculty Career Development (CAREER) Award (2014-2019)
Notre Dame All-Faculty Team Award (2019)
American Institute of Steel Construction Early Career Faculty Award (2018)
Rev. Edmund P Joyce, CSC, Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2018)
Catherine F. Pieronek Women in Engineering Impact Award (2018)
SEI Young Professional Structures Congress Scholarship (2012)
International Association of Shells and Spatial Structures Hangai Prize (2011)
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Structural Engineering Traveling Fellowship (2011)
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2008-2011)
Norman J. Sollenberger Fellowship (2010)
Vassar College Graduation with Departmental Honors (2004)
Vassar College Graduation with General Honors (2004)
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2003)
Honor Societies: Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society

Journal Publications

Wang, Y, Tumbeva, MD, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2019) “Pressure Activated Adhesive Tape Pattern for Monitoring the Structural Condition of Steel Bridges via Digital Image Correlation” Structural Control and Health Monitoring, In press.

Gerbo, EJ, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2019) "Adjustable Bolted Steel Plate Connection: Measured Behavior of Bolts during Field Installation and Numerical Parametric Investigation." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Structural Engineering, In press.

Tugilimana, A, Filomeno Coelho, R, and Thrall, AP (2019) "An Integrated Design Methodology for Modular Trusses including Dynamic Grouping, Module Spatial Orientation, and Topology Optimization." Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, In press.

Gerbo, EJ, Wang, Y, Tumbeva, MD, Thrall, AP, Smith, BJ, and Zoli, TP (2019) Closure to "Behavior of an Adjustable Bolted Steel Plate Connection during Field Installation." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Structural Engineering, 145(3), 07018015 (1 page).

Devine, RD, Barbachyn, SM, Thrall, AP, and Kurama, YC (2018) “Effect of Tripping Prefabricated Rebar Assemblies on Bar Spacing” American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(11), 04018099, 13 pages.

Devine, RD, Barbachyn, SM, Thrall, AP, and Kurama, YC (2018) "Experimental Evaluation of Deep Beams with High-Strength Concrete and High-Strength Rebar." American Concrete Institute Structural Journal, 115(4), 1023-1036.

Tugilimana, A, Filomeno Coelho, R, and Thrall, AP (2018) "Including Global Stability in Truss Layout Optimization for the Conceptual Design of Large-Scale Applications." Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 57(3), 1213–1232.

Gerbo, EJ, Wang, Y, Tumbeva, MD, Thrall, AP, Smith, BJ, and Zoli, TP (2018) "Behavior of an Adjustable Bolted Steel Plate Connection during Field Installation." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Structural Engineering, 144 (3), 04017223, 14 pages.

Tugilimana, A, Thrall, AP, and Filomeno Coelho, R (2017) "Conceptual Design of Modular Bridges including Layout Optimization and Component Reusability." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Bridge Engineering, 22(11), 04017094, 13 pages.

Barbachyn, SM, Devine, RD, Thrall, AP, and Kurama, YC (2017) "Economic Evaluation of High-Strength Materials in Stocky Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(10), 04017074, 14 pages.

Barbachyn, SM, Devine, RD, Thrall, AP, and Kurama, YC (2017) "Effect of High-Strength Materials on Lateral Strength of Stocky RC Walls." American Concrete Institute Structural Journal, 114(4): 923-936.

Tugilimana, A, Thrall, AP, Descamps B, and Filomeno Coelho, R (2017) "Spatial Orientation and Topology Optimization of Modular Trusses." Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 55(2), 459-476.

Ballard, ZC, Gerbo, EJ, Thrall, AP, and Smith, BJ (2016) "Behavior of Sandwich Panels in a Deployable Structure." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Structural Engineering, 142(10), 04016073, 14 pages.

Gerbo, EJ, Thrall, AP, Smith, BJ, and Zoli, TP (2016) "Full-field Measurement of Residual Strains in Cold Bent Steel Plates." Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 127: 187-203.

Wang, Y, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2016) "Adjustable Module for Variable Depth Steel Arch Bridges." Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 126, 163-173.

Gerbo, EJ, Casias, CM, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2016) "Bridge Forms Composed of Modular Bridge Panels.” American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Bridge Engineering, 21(4), 04015084, 12 pages.

Ballard, ZC, Thrall, AP, and Smith, BJ (2016) "Behavior of Folding Sandwich Panel Structures: Impact of Ground Conditions, Anchorage, and Panel Warping." Construction and Building Materials, 112, 1110-1122.

Ballard, ZC, Thrall, AP, Smith, BJ, and Casias, CM (2016) "Impact of Hinged Connectors on Sandwich Panel Behavior." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Structural Engineering,142(3), 06015005, 6 pages.

Tumbeva, MD, Wang, Y, Sowar, MM, Dascanio, AJ, and Thrall, AP (2016) "Quilt Pattern Inspired Engineering: Efficient Manufacturing of Shelter Topologies." Automation in Construction, 63, 57-65.

Alegria Mira, L, Thrall, AP, and De Temmerman, N (2015) "The Universal Scissor Component: Optimization of a Reconfigurable Component for Deployable Scissor Structures," Engineering Optimization, 48(2), 317-333.

Alegria Mira, L, Filomeno Coelho, R, Thrall, AP, and De Temmerman, N (2015) "Parametric Evaluation of Deployable Scissor Arches." Engineering Structures, 99, 479-491.

Quaglia, CP, Yu, N, Thrall, AP, and Paolucci, S (2014). "Balancing Energy Efficiency and Structural Performance through Multi-objective Shape Optimization: Case Study of a Rapidly Deployable Origami-inspired Shelter," Energy and Buildings, 82, 733-745.

Quaglia, CP, Dascanio, AJ, and Thrall, AP (2014) "Bascule Shelters: A Novel Erection Strategy for Origami-Inspired Deployable Structures," Engineering Structures, 75, 276-287.

Martinez-Martin, FJ and Thrall, AP (2014) "Honeycomb Core Sandwich Panels for Origami-Inspired Deployable Shelters: Multi-objective Optimization for Minimum Weight and Maximum Energy Efficiency," Engineering Structures, 69, 158-167.

Alegria Mira, L, Thrall, AP, and De Temmerman, N (2014) "Deployable Scissor Arch for Transitional Shelters." Automation in Construction, 43, 123-131.

Thrall, AP and Quaglia, CP (2014) "Accordion Shelters: A Historical Review of Origami-like Deployable Shelters Developed by the US Military." Engineering Structures, 59, 686-692.

Russell, BR, Thrall, AP, Padula, JA, and Fowler, JE (2014) "Re-Conceptualization and Optimization of a Rapidly Deployable Floating Causeway." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Bridge Engineering, 19(4), 04013013, 9 pages.

Thrall, AP, Zhu, M, Guest, JK, Paya-Zaforteza, I, and Adriaenssens, S (2014) "Structural Optimization of Deploying Structures Comprised of Linkages." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 28(3), 04014010, 11 pages.

Russell, BR and Thrall, AP (2013) "Portable and Rapidly Deployable Bridges: Historical Perspective and Recent Technology Developments." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Bridge Engineering, 18(10), 1074-1085.

Thrall, AP, Billington, DP, and Brea, KL (2012) "The Maria Pia Bridge: A Major Work of Structural Art." Engineering Structures, 40, 479-486.

Thrall, AP, Adriaenssens, S, Paya-Zaforteza, I, and Zoli, TP (2012) "Linkage-Based Movable Bridge Forms: Design Methodology and Three Novel Forms." Engineering Structures, 37, 214-223.

Thrall, AP (2011) "Shape-Finding of a Deployable Structure Using Simulated Annealing." Journal of the International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures, 52(4), 241-247.

Thrall, AP and Garlock, MEM (2010) "Analysis of the Design Concept for the Iglesia de la Virgen de la Medalla Milagrosa." Journal of the International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures, 51, 27-34.

Thrall, AP and Billington, DP (2008) "Bayonne Bridge: The Work of Othmar Ammann, Master Builder." American Society of Civil Engineers Journal of Bridge Engineering, 13, 635-643.

Lombardi, JC Jr, Thrall, AP, Deneva, JS, Fleming, SW, and Grabowski, PE (2003) "Modelling Collision Products of Triple-Star Mergers." Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 345, 762-780.

Utility Patents

Thrall, AP, Gerbo, EJ and Zoli, TP (2019) "Adjustable Bolted Steel Plate Connection." US Patent 10,370,805. Issue date: August 6, 2019. 

Thrall, AP, Wang, Y, and Zoli, TP (2019) "Adjustable Module for Variable Depth Structures." US Patent 10,190,271. Issue date: January 29, 2019.

Thrall, AP, Dascanio, AJ, and Quaglia, CP (2016) "Deployable Portable Shelter (Form)." US Patent 9,410,312.  Issue date: August 9, 2016.

Thrall, AP, Dascanio, AJ, and Quaglia, CP (2016) "Deployable Portable Shelter (Method)." US Patent 9,334,645.  Issue date: May 10, 2016.

Conference Papers and Presentations

Gerbo, EJ, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2019). “Experimental Behavior of an Adjustable Bolted Steel Plate Connection” American Society of Civil Engineers/Structural Engineering Institute Structures Congress, Orlando, Florida.

Gerbo, EJ, Tumbeva, MD, Thrall, AP, and Zoli TP (2018). "Adjustable Bolted Steel Plate Connection: An Approach for the Rapid Erection of Steel Structures." International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures Symposium, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Tumbeva, MD, Thrall, AP, and Zoli TP (2018). "Modular Joint for Free-form Undulating Structures." International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures Symposium, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Tumbeva, MD, Thrall, AP, and Zoli TP (2018). “Panelized Joint for Rapid Erection of Steel Trusses.” American Society of Civil Engineers Structures Congress, Fort Worth, Texas.

Wang,Y, Thrall, AP, Zoli, TP, (2018). “Delaware River Bridge Fracture: Repair Strategy and Monitoring by Digital Image Correlation.” National Steel Bridge Alliance World Steel Bridge Symposium/American Institute of Steel Construction North American Steel Construction Conference: The Steel Conference, Baltimore, Maryland.

Devine, RD, Barbachyn, SM, Thrall, AP, Kurama, YC, Sanborn, SE, Van Liew, M, and Hogancamp, J (2018). “Combined and Isolated Effects of High-Strength Concrete and High-Strength Headed Rebar in Shear Critical Nuclear RC Structures.” American Concrete Institute Convention Subcommittee 349-A/B Meeting, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Thrall, AP, Zoli, TP, Tumbeva, MD, Gerbo, EJ, and Wang, Y (2017) "New Approaches to Accelerated Bridge Construction through Adjustable Connections and Adjustable Modules." American Institute of Steel Construction North American Steel Construction Conference: The Steel Conference, San Antonio, Texas.

Barbachyn, SM, Devine, RD, Thrall, AP, and Kurama, YC (2016) "Cost-Benefit Analysis of High-Strength Materials for Safety-Related Nuclear Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls." American Nuclear Society Winter Meeting and Technology Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Deveine, RD, Barbachyn, SM, Thrall, AP, and Kurama, YC (2016) "Use of High-Strength Concrete in Low-Rise RC Shear Walls." American Concrete Institute Convention, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Wang, Y, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2016) "Optimization of Geometric Parameters of an Adjustable Module for Variable Depth Arch Bridges." Engineering Mechanics Institute Conference, Nashville, Tennessee.

Tugilimana, A, Thrall, AP, Descamps, B, and Filomeno Coelho, R (2016) "A Lower-Bound Formulation including Spatial Orientation for Topology Optimization of Modular Truss Structures." Engineering Mechanics Institute Conference, Nashville, Tennessee.

Gerbo, EJ, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2016). "Analysis and Design of a Steel Connection for Alternative Configurations of Rapidly Erectable Bridge Modules." American Society of Civil Engineers Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Congress, Phoenix, Arizona.

Ballard, ZC, Gerbo, EJ, Thrall, AP, and Smith, BJ (2016). "Experimental and Predicted Behavior of a Deployable Shelter Module." American Society of Civil Engineers Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Congress, Phoenix, Arizona.

Devine, RD, Kurama, YC, Thrall, AP, Barbachyn, SM, Ducey, MC, Sowar, MM, Sanborn, S, Van Liew, M (2015) "Prefabricated High-Strength Rebar Systems with High-Performance Concrete for Accelerated Construction of Nuclear Concrete Structures." American Concrete Institute Convention, Subcommittee 349-C, Denver, Colorado.

Ballard, ZC, Thrall, AP, and Smith, BJ (2015) "Parametric Study of the Effect of Hinged Connectors on the Behavior of Origami-Inspired Structures Comprised of Sandwich Panels." American Society of Mechanical Engineers 39th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference, 3rd Symposium on Origami-Based Engineering Design, Boston, Massachusetts.

Gerbo, EJ, Casias, CM, Thrall, AP, and Zoli, TP (2015) "Shape Optimization of a Bowstring Truss for Transitional Bridging." Engineering Mechanics Institute Conference, Stanford, California.

Tugilimana, A, Fiomeno Coelho, R, and Thrall, AP (2015) "Structural Optimization of Standardized Trusses by Dynamic Grouping of Modules." World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Sydney, Australia.

Ballard, ZC, Thrall, AP, and Smith, BJ (2015) "Measured and Numerical Behavior of an Origami-Inspired Shelter during Deployment." American Society of Civil Engineers Structures Congress, Portland, Oregon.

Quaglia, CP and Thrall, AP (2014) "Shape Optimization of an Origami-inspired Deployable Shelter for Minimum Deflections." International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures Symposium, Brasilia, Brazil.

Alegria Mira, L, Thrall, AP, and De Temmerman, N (2014) "Non-linear Analysis of Deployable Structures Comprised of Optimized Universal Scissor Components." International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures Symposium, Brasilia, Brazil.

Quaglia, CP, Ballard, ZC, and Thrall, AP (2014) "Parametric Modelling of an Air-Liftable Origami-Inspired Deployable Shelter with a Novel Erection Strategy." 4^th International Conference on Mobile, Adaptable and Rapidly Assembled Structures, Ostend Belgium.

Alegria Mira, L, Filomeno Coelho, R, De Temmerman, N, and Thrall, AP (2014) "Evaluation of Design Parameters for Deployable Planar Scissor Arches." 4^th International Conference on Mobile, Adaptable and Rapidly Assembled Structures, Ostend Belgium.

Alegria Mira, L, De Temmerman, N, and Thrall, AP (2013) "Construction of a Deployable Scissor Arch for Shelters." Transformables 2013, Seville, Spain.

Martinez-Martin, FJ, and Thrall, AP (2013) "Minimum Weight Optimization of Honeycomb Core Sandwich Panels for Origami-Inspired Shelters." World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Orlando, Florida.

Russell, BR and Thrall, AP (2013) "Cross-section Optimization of a Rapidly Deployable Causeway System." World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Orlando, Florida.

Thrall, AP, Adriaenssens,S, Paya-Zaforteza, I, and Zoli, TP (2012) "A Linkage-Based Movable Bridge Form: Design and Optimization." American Society of Civil Engineers Structures Congress, Chicago, Illinois.

Thrall, AP (2011) "Shape-Finding of a Deployable Structure Using Simulated Annealing." International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures Symposium, London, United Kingdom.

Thrall, AP, Adriaenssens, S, and Zoli, TP (2011) "Applications of Linkages for Movable Bridge Design." Structural Morphology Group International Seminar, London, United Kingdom.

Thrall, AP and Payá-Zaforteza, I (2010) "Optimization of a Deploying Pantograph Structure Using Heuristic Algorithms." International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures Symposium, Shanghai, China.

Thrall, AP, Billington, DP, and Zoli, TP (2010) “Analysis of Eiffel’s Maria Pia Bridge.” American Society of Civil Engineers Structures Congress, Orlando, Florida.

Thrall, AP and Billington, DP (2009) "A Study of the Evolution of Arch Forms: Eiffel’s Maria Pia Bridge and Ammann’s Bayonne Bridge." New York City Bridge Conference, New York, New York.

Thrall, AP, Garlock, MEM, and Billington, DP (2008)  "Analysis of Iglesia de la Medalla Milagrosa."  International Association for Shells and Spatial Structures Symposium, Acapulco, Mexico.

Summary of Activities/Interests

The Kinetic Structures Laboratory (KSL), directed by Dr. Ashley P. Thrall, is dedicated to investigating the behavior, design, and optimization of kinetic civil infrastructure utilizing analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches. Kinetic bridges, shelters, and buildings include modular systems, which are rapidly movable and deployable. Current and recent projects include designing rapidly deployable origami-inspired shelters, developing new approaches to rapidly erectable bridge systems, performing topology optimization on modular structures, and investigating prefabricated high-strength rebar systems with high-performance concrete for accelerated construction of nuclear concrete structures. Applications of this research include military operations, disaster relief, and accelerated construction of civil infrastructure.