Yan Xiao
![Yan Xiao at 21st Amendment Brewery in San Francisco (January 2019)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Yan_Xiao_January_2019.jpg)
He describes his research interests as "seismic analysis and design of structures; experimental analysis of structures, components and materials, and implementation of new materials into structural design and retrofit."
In 2006, Xiao developed a bamboo derived material known as GluBam that was strong enough to be used for beams and trusses. He was able to build a 33-foot heavy use bridge, capable of supporting 8 tons, in Leiyang, Hunan, using the material. A principal advantage of GluBam is construction of large structures such as a bridge doesn't require heavy machinery. The bridge was assembled in a quick 10 days. In addition to the machinery and speed requirements, the GluBam beams cost 20 percent as what imported lumber costs. Rural China also has a constantly replenishing supply of bamboo.
While on sabbatical in 2008, he created quick to build homes made from the material to be used as a rapid housing solution following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake which had left many homeless.
Xiao was featured in Popular Science's Top 100 Innovations of 2008 for "Glubam Construction: The Sustainable Bridge." Provided by Wikipedia
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