Clyde Baker, Deep Foundation Innovator, Dies at 92

Abstract

If structural engineers of supertall buildings have slept soundly over the last half century, it is likely in part thanks to Clyde N. Baker Jr., a geotechnical engineer who advanced the science of soil and deep foundation design. Smart Enough To Make Things Simple"He was smart enough to make things simple," says Bill Baker, a consulting partner with SOM in Chicago who was the structural engineer in charge of the Burj and is not related to Clyde. Baker's first job out of college was at Chicago-based STS Consultants, where he rose to president and principal before it was purchased by AECOM. He joined GEI Consultants outside Chicago in 2014."For bored piles founded on soil, Baker has pushed bearing pressures in Chicago 400%, while rock-socketed caissons have increased 50%. This track record has made Baker useful in cities building super tall," states the ENR Award of Excellence article. For the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, currently under construction but planned to rise at least 1,000 m, Baker performed a peer review for the Chicago office of project structural engineer, Thornton Tomasetti. "As soon as we brought Clyde in, all of a sudden, as long as he was comfortable with it, we were good to go."Despite many professional accolades, SOM's Baker and Sinn agree that Baker was humble and not above pitching in as needed. SOM's Baker recalls working with Baker on a project on the busy streets of Chicago's Loop. "Clyde just took charge. It wasn't his problem, but if he hadn't done that, there was going to be a problem."Many engineers are conservative to protect themselves from liability, adds Baker.