Isabelle Thenevin

Biography

Isabelle Thenevin is a researcher specializing in rock mechanics and the interactions between geological materials and engineering techniques. Her work focuses primarily on analyzing the mechanical properties of rocks under stress, particularly in the contexts of deep geothermal drilling, mine support, and slope stability. She has contributed to the study of the microstructural behavior of granites under high pressure and high strain rates, combining experimental approaches (triaxial tests, compressive strength) and numerical methods (FEM modeling). Her research also includes the optimization of bolted support systems, with a particular focus on the interfaces between rock, grout, and reinforcement, as well as the influence of confining pressure. In addition, she is interested in the impacts of land-use changes in mountainous areas on natural hazards, such as debris flows, by integrating geomorphological and hydrological analyses with spatial modeling.

Publication(s)

2026
Experimental and numerical investigations of the electrical breakdown during high-voltage pulse fragmentation: Application to the Vosges sandstone DOI : 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2026.106522
2024
A complete experimental study on hard granites: Microstructural characterization, mechanical response, and failure criterion DOI : 10.1016/j.gete.2024.100592
2024
Destruction of Rock Microstructure: an Experimental and Numerical Modelling Study of High-Pressure Water Jet Rock Cutting under Subsurface Confining Pressure Conditions DOI : 10.56952/ARMA-2024-1005
2018
Laboratory study of bolting, comparison of pull-out test results – Cases of soft rocks and hard rocks; [Analyse expérimentale du boulonnage, comparaison des résultats d’essais d’arrachement - Cas des sols raides et des roches]
2017
Laboratory pull-out tests on fully grouted rock bolts and cable bolts: Results and lessons learned DOI : 10.1016/j.jrmge.2017.04.005
2009
Debris flow hazards due to land use changes above source areas in torrent catchments: Case study of Les Arcs (Savoie, France) DOI : 10.2495/RM090151
2001
Multivariate geostatistical study of the quality of lignite in the new mining project "Çöllolar (sector B)" in Afsin-Elbistan, Turkey; [Etude géostatistique multivariable de la qualité du lignite d'Afsin-Elbistan, projet de Çöllolar (Turquie)] DOI : 10.1007/s100640100099

Teaching

Geoscience and the Anthropocene (GA)

Course Director

The “Geosciences and the Anthropocene” GA course takes place at several sites impacted by human activity, specifically chosen to deepen students’ understanding of the challenges related to climate change and the energy transition. This course is organized as a one-week intensive off-campus program. For logistical reasons related to the large number of students, the class is divided into six groups working independently under the guidance of a multidisciplinary teaching team. The six groups will be based in the following areas: Paris and Morvan (Île-de-France) Digne-les-Bains and surrounding areas (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) Laragne and surrounding areas (Hautes-Alpes) Romanche and Drac Valleys (Isère and Hautes-Alpes) Western Pyrenees (French and Spanish) Roya Valley (Alpes-Maritimes) For each group, the teaching team consists of 2 to 3 faculty members, each of whom will supervise a group of 8 students. Within these small groups, instruction will alternate between observation sessions of natural objects, independent work sessions in which students are invited to observe and analyze the geological terrain relevant to the instruction they have received, tutorials, and visits to key sites or engineering structures. Over the course of the week, each team will present the results of their workshops to all the students in their group.

General Engineering Professions (MIG)

Lecturer

A MIG is a personalized, project-based learning program that brings together a group of 12 or 14 students, guided by the School’s faculty members, to explore a complex problem in its various dimensions—including, of course, scientific and technical aspects, but also cross-disciplinary aspects (socioeconomics, management, law, the environment, etc., depending on the field being studied). Ten different topics are offered. They all reflect current research themes being developed by the School’s centers and industry. The challenges students will tackle through these 10 projects address major issues facing the industry of the future and society: From Energy Resource Transformation to Management, Data Science and Innovative Applications, Raw Material Extraction and Environmental Impact, Design and Materials for Aerospace and Automotive, and Medical and Hospital Care Engineering Each MIG topic is addressed through complementary and interlinked activities during an intensive three-week period: - company visits, lectures, and classes - a period of experimentation and/or modeling at a research center or in a company, in the form of mini-projects carried out in small groups. In addition, each group of students collectively summarizes the work completed in the form of a written report and an oral presentation before a panel of industry professionals. This presentation will allow you to better understand all aspects of the topic and to deepen your teamwork skills.

Natural Hazards

Course Director

Natural hazards, damage, and vulnerability; natural risk management; Natural phenomena and event scenarios (intensities and recurrence intervals): floodplains and rising groundwater levels, urban stormwater runoff, torrential events, landslides, subsidence and ground collapse, earthquakes, etc. ; Aggravating human activities, soil and water pollution, “post-mining” situations; Monitoring methods and challenges in event forecasting; Geoprospective, natural hazards, and land-use management; Building codes and standards (introduction to seismic engineering, etc.); Regulatory mapping (urban planning documents, Risk Prevention Plans, etc.); A cindynic approach to risk management and crisis situations.