Louis Le Pen

Dr Louis Le Pen is a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton, specializing in geotechnical engineering with a focus on railway track performance. He is affiliated with the Infrastructure Group and conducts both laboratory and field-based research on track systems.

His research interests include:

• Performance of novel track forms (e.g., slab track, ladder tracks, asphalt underlay)
• Mechanical properties of railway ballast using triaxial testing and particle analysis
• Track transitions, switches and crossings (S&C)
• Composite sleepers and reinforced ballast
• Effects of high-speed curving forces and tilting trains
• Interaction between earthworks and bridges

His work is characterized by bespoke laboratory testing and advanced field monitoring using pressure cells, geophones, digital image correlation, and MEMS accelerometers. His research has been funded by EPSRC, Network Rail, and the EU’s Shift2Rail programme, including projects like Track to the Future, Track 21, and In2Rail.

Notable recognitions include an honourable mention for the Quigley Award and the BGA Medal. He is also co-editor of the Cross-Industry Track Stiffness Working Group's A Guide to Track Stiffness.

• Honourable Mention for the Quigley Award (Canadian Geotechnical Journal)
• BGA Medal (Geotechnique)

Dr Le Pen co-supervises PhD and undergraduate research projects and contributes to teaching through guest lectures and laboratory supervision. He is actively involved in multiple research initiatives aimed at improving railway infrastructure resilience and performance.