Dr Yangming Gao
School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Email: Y.Gao@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 904 1273
ORCID
Dr Yangming Gao is currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Transport Infrastructure at the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Prior to that, he was a Marie Curie Research Fellow at Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands in 2021-2023. Yangming received his PhD degree in Civil Engineering from Aston University in 2020.
Yangming's research is focused on understanding, predicting and optimising the mechanical response of transport infrastructure and materials. He combines theoretical development, experimental characterisation and computational modelling to develop mechanistic models that can reliably capture material deformation, damage and fracture. His research interests include
- Molecular simulations and microscopic characterisation for design and qualification of durable and net zero pavement materials;
- Multiscale mechanics and multiphysics modelling for coastal transport infrastructure's climate resilience; and
- Smart (self-sensing and self-healing) materials and data-driven monitoring for digital and safe transport infrastructure.
Yangming has an internationally recognised track record of publications (more than 45 papers) in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. He is a committee member of several academic associations, e.g., National Asphalt Research Consortium (NARC), Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), RILEM, TRB and ISAP. He is a recipient of the Transportation Research Congress (TRC 2021) Best Paper Award, the 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowships (IF) and the 2019 ARMOURERS & BRASIERS’ Prize.
-Research Projects-
(1) PI, NWO Dutch Research Council, “MEDAS: Mechanics and Data-Driven Approach for Developing Resilient Asphalt Materials”, 2025-2030;
(2) PI, Royal Academy of Engineering, “Solutions for enhancing flooding resilience of coastal roads”, 2024-2025;
(3) PI, Liverpool John Moores University, “Hydraulic characterisation of asphalt mixtures in extreme rainfall”, 2024-2025;
(4) PI, Liverpool John Moores University, “Climate resilience evaluation of asphalt materials for sustainable coastal roads”, 2025-2028;
(5) PI, Liverpool John Moores University, “Electromechanical modelling and characterisation of self-sensing asphalt materials”, 2023-2024;
(6) PI, EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowships (IF), “FHBMicro: Fatigue Damage and Healing of Bituminous Materials: from Microscopic Mechanism towards Lifetime Extension”, 2021-2023;
(7) Co-I, EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), “ice-Link: Integration of Advanced Experiments, Computation and Data for Innovation in Freeze Casting and Advanced Porous Structures”, 2024-2027;
(8) Co-I, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), “Characterising High-cycle Fatigue Crack Initiation of Asphalt Mixtures by Coupling Mesoscale Size Effects and Bond Energy Theories”, 2024-2027.
MDPI Polymers - Special Issue "Multiscale–Multiphysics Modelling and Characterisation of Multiphase Polymer-Based Bituminous Materials", Guest Editor, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/2M97OTNCUQ. 2024
Frontiers in Energy Research - Special Issue "Sustainable Pavements: Technologies and Assessments for Renewable Energy Harvesting and Application", Guest Editor, https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/57209/sustainable-pavements-technologies-and-assessments-for-renewable-energy-harvesting-and-application. 2023
Dr Gao is accepting candidates for PhD. Personal Website: https://sites.google.com/view/pass-ygao/home
Degrees
2020, Aston University, United Kingdom, PhD
2016, Hefei University of Technology, China, MEng
2013, Hefei University of Technology, China, BEng
Academic appointments
Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University, 2023 - present
Visiting Researcher, RWTH Aachen University, 2022 - 2022
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellow, Delft University of Technology, 2021 - 2023
Visiting Researcher, University of Nottingham, 2021 - 2021
Research Assistant, Aston University, 2020 - 2020
Journal article
Wang F, Fu C, Liu K, Huang S, Gao Y, Xie H. 2024. Experimental study and numerical simulation of concrete pavement electrical heating for snow melting Construction and Building Materials, 442 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Li Y, Li J, Bai T, Chen A, Gu D, Gao Y. 2024. Mechanism and Performance of SBS Polymer Dry-Modified Asphalt Mixture with PCB and TPO from Waste Tires Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 36 DOI Publisher Url
Chen H, Huang S, Niu D, Gao Y, Zhang Z. 2024. Fatigue characterization and assessment methods for the terminal blend crumb rubber/SBS composite modified asphalt binders Construction and Building Materials, 430 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Gao Y, Liu X, Ren S, Assaf EI, Liu P, Zhang Y. 2024. Nanostructure and damage characterisation of bitumen under a low cycle strain-controlled fatigue load based on molecular simulations and rheological measurements Composites Part B: Engineering, 275 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Li Y, Hu B, Gao Y, Feng J, Kot P. 2024. Electrical characteristics and conductivity mechanism of self-sensing asphalt concrete Construction and Building Materials, 416 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Niu D, Huang S, Shi W, Xie X, Wang Y, Gao Y. 2024. Fracture Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures Under the Effect of the Coordination Number of Particles Contact Forces of Coarse Aggregates Cailiao Daobao/Materials Reports, 38 DOI
Zhang D, Yu P, Liu Z, Liu Z, Chen H, Gao Y. 2023. Influence of acidity and alkalinity of water environments on the water stability of asphalt mixture: Phase I - molecular dynamics simulation Construction and Building Materials, 411 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Zou Y, Gao Y, Chen A, Wu S, Li Y, Xu H, Wang H, Yang Y, Amirkhanian S. 2023. Adhesion failure mechanism of asphalt-aggregate interface under an extreme saline environment: A molecular dynamics study Applied Surface Science, 645 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Chen S, Chen C, Ma T, Han C, Luo H, Wang S, Gao Y, Yang Y. 2023. Rapid extraction of pavement aggregate gradation based on point clouds using deep learning networks Automation in Construction, 154 DOI Publisher Url
Shi B, Liu Q, Gao Y, Wu J, Chen J. 2023. Analysis of the cohesion/adhesion proportion around bitumen-mineral failure interface under tensile loading Construction and Building Materials, 399 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Lu J, Zhang M, Feng J, Gao Y, Yang Y, Li Y, Li L. 2023. Investigation on the technical performance and workability of hot-melting road marking materials using for the high-altitude area Case Studies in Construction Materials, 18 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Gao Y, Liu X, Ren S, Li Y, Zhang Y. 2023. Role of Surface Roughness in Surface Energy Calculation of Aggregate Minerals Transportation Research Record, 2678 :190-201 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Niu D, Zhang Z, Gao Y, Li Y, Yang Z, Niu Y. 2023. Effect of pretreated cow dung fiber on rheological and fatigue properties of asphalt binder Cellulose, 30 :3773-3791 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Ren S, Liu X, Gao Y, Jing R, Lin P, Erkens S, Wang H. 2023. Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental validation on the interfacial diffusion behaviors of rejuvenators in aged bitumen Materials and Design, 226 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Li Y, Li J, Li C, Chen A, Bai T, Tang S, Wu S, Gao Y, Zhu H, Feng J. 2022. Strength formation mechanism and performance of steel slag self-compacting epoxy resin concrete Construction and Building Materials, 359 DOI Publisher Url
Ren S, Liu X, Lin P, Gao Y, Erkens S. 2022. Review on the diffusive and interfacial performance of bituminous materials: From a perspective of molecular dynamics simulation Journal of Molecular Liquids, 366 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Ren S, Liu X, Lin P, Gao Y, Erkens S. 2022. Insight into the compatibility behaviors between various rejuvenators and aged bitumen: Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental validation Materials and Design, 223 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Zhang C, Tan Y, Gao Y, Fu Y, Li J, Li S, Zhou X. 2022. Resilience assessment of asphalt pavement rutting under climate change Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 109 DOI Publisher Url
Wang F, Zhu H, Shu B, Li Y, Gu D, Gao Y, Chen A, Feng J, Wu S, Liu Q, Li C. 2022. Microwave heating mechanism and self-healing performance of asphalt mixture with basalt and limestone aggregates Construction and Building Materials, 342 DOI Publisher Url
Ren S, Liu X, Lin P, Gao Y, Erkens S. 2022. Molecular dynamics simulation on bulk bitumen systems and its potential connections to macroscale performance: Review and discussion Fuel, 328 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Wang F, Zhu H, Li Y, Gu D, Gao Y, Feng J, Shu B, Li C, Wu S, Liu Q, Xu Z. 2022. Microwave heating mechanism and Self-healing performance of scrap tire pyrolysis carbon black modified bitumen Construction and Building Materials, 341 DOI Publisher Url
Yi J, Feng J, Li Y, Bai T, Chen A, Gao Y, Wu F, Wu S, Liu Q, Li C. 2022. Research on Design and Performance of Self-Compacting Cement Emulsified Bitumen Mixture (CEBM) Materials, 15 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Li Y, Feng J, Wu S, Chen A, Kuang D, Bai T, Gao Y, Zhang J, Li L, Wan L, Liu Q, Chen Z, Gu D. 2022. Review of ultraviolet ageing mechanisms and anti-ageing methods for asphalt binders Journal of Road Engineering, 2 :137-155 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Ren S, Liu X, Erkens S, Lin P, Gao Y. 2022. Multi-component analysis, molecular model construction, and thermodynamics performance prediction on various rejuvenators of aged bitumen Journal of Molecular Liquids, 360 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Ren S, Liu X, Lin P, Erkens S, Gao Y. 2022. Chemical characterizations and molecular dynamics simulations on different rejuvenators for aged bitumen recycling Fuel, 324 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Gao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Liu X, Jing R. 2022. Quantifying oxygen diffusion in bitumen films using molecular dynamics simulations Construction and Building Materials, 331 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Wu J, Wang H, Liu Q, Gao Y, Liu S. 2022. A Temperature-Independent Methodology for Polymer Bitumen Modification Evaluation Based on DSR Measurement Polymers, 14 :848 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Chen P, Luo X, Gao Y, Zhang Y. 2022. Modeling percentages of cohesive and adhesive debonding in bitumen-aggregate interfaces using molecular dynamics approaches Applied Surface Science, 571 DOI Publisher Url
Chen J, Dan H, Ding Y, Gao Y, Guo M, Guo S, Han B, Hong B, Hou Y, Hu C, Hu J, Huyan J, Jiang J, Jiang W, Li C, Liu P, Liu Y, Liu Z, Lu G, Ouyang J, Qu X, Ren D, Wang C, Wang C, Wang D, Wang D, Wang H, Wang H, Xiao Y, Xing C, Xu H, Yan Y, Yang X, You L, You Z, Yu B, Yu H, Yu H, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhou C, Zhou C, Zhu X. 2021. New innovations in pavement materials and engineering: A review on pavement engineering research 2021 Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English Edition), 8 :815-999 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Gao Y, Zhang Y, Omairey EL, Al-Malaika S, Sheena H. 2021. Influence of anti-ageing compounds on rheological properties of bitumen Journal of Cleaner Production, 318 DOI Publisher Url
Li L, Yang Y, Gao Y, Zhang Y. 2021. Healing characterisations of waste-derived bitumen based on crack length: Laboratory and modelling Journal of Cleaner Production, 316 DOI Publisher Url
Li L, Gao Y, Zhang Y. 2021. Predicting healing in viscoelastic bitumen using alien strain method International Journal of Fatigue, 145 DOI Publisher Url
Zhang Y, Gao Y. 2021. Predicting crack growth in viscoelastic bitumen under a rotational shear fatigue load Road Materials and Pavement Design, 22 :603-622 DOI Publisher Url
Li L, Gao Y, Zhang Y. 2021. Fatigue cracking characterisations of waste-derived bitumen based on crack length International Journal of Fatigue, 142 DOI Publisher Url
Dong M, Sun W, Li L, Gao Y. 2020. Effect of asphalt film thickness on shear mechanical properties of asphalt-aggregate interface Construction and Building Materials, 263 DOI Publisher Url
Gao Y, Li L, Zhang Y. 2020. Modelling crack initiation in bituminous binders under a rotational shear fatigue load International Journal of Fatigue, 139 DOI Publisher Url
Zhou X, Zhao G, Wu S, Tighe S, Pickel D, Chen M, Adhikari S, Gao Y. 2020. Effects of biochar on the chemical changes and phase separation of bio-asphalt under different aging conditions Journal of Cleaner Production, 263 DOI Publisher Url
Zhou X, Zhao G, Tighe S, Chen M, Wu S, Adhikari S, Gao Y. 2020. Quantitative comparison of surface and interface adhesive properties of fine aggregate asphalt mixtures composed of basalt, steel slag, and andesite Construction and Building Materials, 246 DOI Publisher Url
Li L, Gao Y, Zhang Y. 2020. Crack length based healing characterisation of bitumen at different levels of cracking damage Journal of Cleaner Production, 258 DOI Publisher Url
Gao Y, Li L, Zhang Y. 2020. Modeling Crack Propagation in Bituminous Binders under a Rotational Shear Fatigue Load using Pseudo J-Integral Paris’ Law Transportation Research Record, 2674 :94-103 DOI Publisher Url
Gao Y, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Zhang J, Gu F. 2019. Molecular dynamics investigation of interfacial adhesion between oxidised bitumen and mineral surfaces Applied Surface Science, 479 :449-462 DOI Publisher Url
Gao Y, Zhang Y, Gu F, Xu T, Wang H. 2018. Impact of minerals and water on bitumen-mineral adhesion and debonding behaviours using molecular dynamics simulations Construction and Building Materials, 171 :214-222 DOI Publisher Url
Dong MS, Gao YM, Li LL, Wang LN, Sun ZB. 2016. Viscoelastic micromechanical model for dynamic modulus prediction of asphalt concrete with interface effects Journal of Central South University, 23 :926-933 DOI Publisher Url
Gao Y, Dong M, Li L, Wang L, Sun Z. 2015. Interface effects on the creep characteristics of asphalt concrete Construction and Building Materials, 96 :591-598 DOI Publisher Url
Ren S, Liu X, Jing R, Gao Y, Lin P, Erkens S. Investigating the rheological properties and compatibility behaviours of RET/PE and WR/CR/SBS compound-modified bitumen Road Materials and Pavement Design, DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Conference publication
Ren S, Liu X, Gao Y, Erkens S. 2024. Preparation and characterization on elastomer/plastic compound modified bitumen Advances in Functional Pavements - Proceedings of the 7th Chinese-European Workshop on Functional Pavements, CEW 2023, :3-7 DOI Publisher Url
Al Nageim H, Albusultan S, Dulaimi A, Robinson H, Large I, Gao Y. 2024. New generation of cold mix asphalt for road surfacing and maintenance Advances in Functional Pavements - Proceedings of the 7th Chinese-European Workshop on Functional Pavements, CEW 2023, :293-296 DOI Publisher Url
Zou Y, Chen A, Wu S, Li Y, Gao Y, Amirkhanian S. 2024. Effect of acid rain on chemical structure and rheological properties of bitumen at different depths Advances in Functional Pavements - Proceedings of the 7th Chinese-European Workshop on Functional Pavements, CEW 2023, :208-211 DOI Publisher Url
Zhao W, Gao YM, Dong MS. 2014. Computation model of network scale for urban rail transit based on mutualism model Applied Mechanics and Materials, 631-632 :1329-1333 DOI Publisher Url
Editorial/letter to the editor
Jia M, Wang D, Gao Y, Ma J, Yuan D. 2024. Editorial: Sustainable road infrastructure: technologies and assessments Frontiers in Energy Research, 12 DOI Publisher Url
Li Y, Bai T, Zhang J, Gao Y. 2023. Advances in Regenerated Asphalt Mixtures Materials, 16 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Chapters
Li L, Gao Y, Zhang Y. 2022. Healing Characterisation of Waste-Derived Bitumen Based on Crack Length RILEM Bookseries 27 :975-982 DOI Publisher Url
Gao Y, Li L, Zhang Y. 2022. Crack Evolution of Bitumen Under Torsional Shear Fatigue Loads RILEM Bookseries 27 :481-487 DOI Publisher Url
Patent
Dong M, Gao Y, Chu C, Li J, Liao Z, Tang F, Hou C, Sun Z. An assembly type bridge crossing urban rail transit construction area
Dong M, Wang B, Chu C, Gao Y, Dong K, Guo X. A vehicle braking system to prevent secondary crushing
Award:
Outstanding International Committee Member, World Transport Convention (WTC 2024). 2024
Best Paper Award, The TRC 2021 Transportation Research Congress. 2021
Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad, China Scholarship Council. 2021
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowships, European Commission. 2021
ARMOURERS & BRASIERS’ Prize, The Armourers & Brasiers' Company. 2019
Fully-funded PhD Studentship, Aston University. 2017
Research Grants Awarded:
Liverpool John Moores University - Pump priming award, Electromechanical modelling and characterisation of self-sensing asphalt materials, Grant value (£): 5000. 2023
EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowships (IF), Fatigue Damage and Healing of Bituminous Materials: from Microscopic Mechanism towards Lifetime Extension (FHBMicro), Grant value (£): € 187 572.48, Duration of research project: 2 Years. 2021
Editorial boards:
MDPI Polymers (Impact Factor 5.0) - Special Issue "Multiscale–Multiphysics Modelling and Characterisation of Multiphase Polymer-Based Bituminous Materials", Guest Editor, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/2M97OTNCUQ. 2023
Frontiers in Energy Research - Special Issue "Sustainable Pavements: Technologies and Assessments for Renewable Energy Harvesting and Application", Guest Editor, https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/57209/sustainable-pavements-technologies-and-assessments-for-renewable-energy-harvesting-and-application. 2023
MDPI Materials - Special Issue "Advances in Regenerated Asphalt Mixtures", Guest Editor, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/special_issues/Regenerated_Asphalt_Mixtures. 2022
Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English Edition), Young Academic Editor.
Membership of professional bodies:
Fellow, Higher Education Academy.
Member, Academy of Pavement Science and Engineering (APSE).
Member, Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).
Member, International Society for Asphalt Pavements (ISAP).
Member, National Asphalt Research Consortium (NARC).
Member, RILEM, 278-CHA (Crack-Healing of Asphalt Pavement Materials) Technical Committee.
Member, Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee (AKM 20).
Conference organisation:
The 21st International Conference of Highways and Airport Pavement Engineering, Asphalt Technology, and Infrastructure, 28-29 February 2024, Liverpool, UK, Organizing Committee Member.
The Chinese-European Workshop on Functional Pavement (CEW 2023), 2-4 July 2023, Birmingham, UK, Organizing Committee Member/Session Chair, http://cew2023.allconfs.org/meeting/index_en.asp?id=13520.
The International Symposium on Frontiers of Road and Airport Engineering (iFRAE 2021), 12-14 July 2021, Delft, The Netherlands, Organizing Committee/Youth Committee Member.
The TRC 2021 Transportation Research Congress, 5-7 November 2021, Hangzhou, China, Youth Committee Member.