Prof. Yan Yao is now the President and Chief Scientist of China Building Materials Academy (CBMA). She has been devoted in the research of high performance concrete (HPC) at CBMA for 35 years since she graduated from Tongji University in 1982. Her research is mainly focused on durability of concrete, HPC and its application technology.
She developed high magnesium micro-expansive medium-heat cement for mass concrete used in hydro-power dam. In addition, she proposed to take the advantage of micro-expansion of calcite to compensate the shrinkage caused by temperature change of dam concrete at later stage. These two measures guaranteed the crack control of dam concrete. Based on these measures, she initiated the “Quality safeguard system for cement and concrete materials used in hydro-power projects”, which is widely adopted in hydro-power projects in China, including the Three Gorges Dam Project.
She found the mechanism and set up a test method of durability of concrete under combined actions of mechanical load and environmental factors. The test method was adopted by International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM) as a RILEM Recommendation. The study opened a new field for durability of concrete under real service conditions. The test method can predict the service life of concrete more accurately. Considering the results from the test, the design of concrete will be more rational and eventually the service life of concrete structures can be prolonged.
She established the theory of raw materials standardization of HPC and the technical system of HPC production and application. The theory shifted the design criteria of concrete from strength –oriented to durability-oriented methodology. And the new design criteria have been applied in key engineering projects in China.
She organized over 60 national research programs since 1995 and the research achievements served over 1000 companies and engineering projects in China, including Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Olympic stadiums, etc. Based on the strong technical background, two Sub-companies of CBMA were set up and went public mainly due to her efforts.
For her great contribution, Prof. Yao received the "Guanghua Engineering Award" from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. She also received the Prize of National Scientific and Technical Progress as well as ministerial-level prizes for many times.
Prof. Yao holds over 30 patents and published more than 100 papers in cement and concrete area. Her findings and study on durability of concrete continues to influence the design of concrete structures thus to prolong the service life of concrete.