Uncertain geotechnical truth and cost-effective high-rise foundation design

2009 Terzaghi Lecture

Clyde Baker

The essential requirements for the design of foundations for the world’s tallest buildings, from a geotechnical perspective are presented. The basic types of foundation, special in-situ testing, and load testing techniques commonly used, and several key principles to remember including the need for close structural engineering and geotechnical engineer cooperation are discussed.

About the speaker

Clyde Baker Senior Principal Engineer, AECOM

According to American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Geo Institute, Clyde Baker was selected as the 2009 Terzaghi Lecturer in recognition of his significant contributions in the design, analysis andconstruction of deep foundations forhigh-rise structures around the world:

Over the past 5 years Clyde N. Baker, Jr. has served as the geotechnical engineer on the major portion of high rise construction built in Chicago. He has also served as geotechnical engineer or consultant on eight of the twenty tallest buildings ni the world including the four tallest ni Chicago (Sears, Trump, Hancock, and Amoco) and the current tallest buildings in the world, the Petronas Towers ni Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 101 Financial Center ni Taipei, Taiwan and Burj Dubai in Dubai.

He is currently working as a consultant on several super tall buildings currently under construction including the Spire in Chicago, Doha Convention Center and Tower in Qatar and Incheon 151 in Incheon, Korea.

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