Luc Thorel

Papers

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About

Luc Thorel is a leading figure in geotechnical centrifuge modelling, with a career dedicated to advancing physical simulation of soil-structure interaction. His research centers on the development and refinement of experimental techniques for studying retaining walls, foundations, and underground structures under realistic stress conditions. A major contribution is his work on cantilever wall behaviour, where he pioneered in-flight excavation methods to correctly replicate stress history in centrifuge models—a breakthrough that overcame a long-standing experimental bottleneck. His impact is reflected in foundational papers such as "Physical modelling of a cantilever wall" (2004, 5 citations) and "Improvement of the IFSTTAR robot control system" (2013, 6 citations), which document the modernization of the IFSTTAR (formerly LCPC) centrifuge robot. By replacing the outdated "robonum" programming language with a 21st-century control system, Thorel enabled precise, repeatable testing and expanded the facility's capabilities. His work has directly influenced the design of retaining structures and the validation of numerical models, making him a key reference for researchers in physical modelling and geotechnical engineering.