Zannino Engineering, Inc.

Innovative & Reliable

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About the firm

Zannino Engineering, Inc. is a Richmond, Virginia geotechnical, environmental, and construction materials testing practice established in 1991. Operating from a centrally located Glen Allen office with an on-site AASHTO laboratory accreditation accredited laboratory validated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Materials Testing Center, it serves public and private sector clients across Metro Richmond and the broader Virginia region. Technical personnel hold ACI, VDOT, and NICET certifications, maintaining multi-disciplined capabilities in soils and concrete to ensure project continuity from initial subsurface exploration through to final construction inspections.

Established
1991
Team
Small
Firm type
Geotechnical Engineering · Materials Testing · Environmental Engineering

Credentials

AASHTO laboratory accreditation · USACE MTC Validation · ACI Certifications · VDOT Certifications · NICET Certifications

People

Thomas L. ZanninoFounder & Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Robert ChildreePresident

Mark E. McLainVice President & Engineering Department Manager

Denise Zannino ChildreeDirector of Communications and Strategic Engagement

Linda JonesClient Relations

DeAndre WashingtonConstruction Materials Engineering Department Manager / Project Manager

Gregory CoxLaboratory Manager

Grant MissimerEngineering & Residential Project Manager

Matthew PowellEngineering Technician Manager / Senior Engineering Technician

Timothy CroucheEngineering Technician

Shamari HollingsworthConstruction Materials Technician

David NicholsStaff Engineering Technician

Miriam ChaconCommunications and Operations Coordinator

Ryan WilsonConstruction Materials Lab Technician

Cameron WinnEngineering Technician

Jared DelanyConstruction Materials Lab Technician

Capabilities

Geotechnical Engineering

Service website

Provides comprehensive subsurface exploration and analysis to support foundation design and earth retention systems. Practical geotechnical consulting helps developers and design professionals mitigate risk from early planning through active construction.

  • Subsurface Investigations

    Explores underground soil and rock conditions through test borings and sampling to determine site suitability and parameters.

  • Foundation Design Recommendations

    Develops engineering guidance for shallow or deep foundations, slab support, and site preparation based on soil analysis.

  • Sheeting and Shoring Design

    Creates design solutions for deep excavations and soil retention systems to ensure temporary and permanent safety on site.

Construction Materials Testing

Service website

Delivers field inspections and testing of structural elements to verify alignment with strict contract specifications. Experienced personnel evaluate essential structural components to ensure safety and quality control.

  • Earthwork Testing

    Verifies soil compaction and subgrade conditions during grading and fill placement using field density testing.

  • Concrete Testing

    Performs field measurements of slump, air content, and temperature, alongside laboratory compressive strength testing of cylinders.

  • Reinforcing Steel Inspection

    Inspects rebar placement, spacing, and lap splices prior to concrete placement to confirm adherence to structural drawings.

  • Masonry Inspection

    Evaluates mortar, grout, and block placement to confirm the structural integrity of load-bearing and non-load-bearing masonry walls.

  • Special Inspections

    Conducts independent third-party evaluations of critical building elements as mandated by building codes and municipal authorities.

Laboratory Services

Service website

Operates an AASHTO-accredited facility co-located with the main offices, delivering rigorous independent testing of construction materials. Validated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this facility provides rapid and defensible material analysis.

  • Soil and Aggregate Testing

    Analyzes physical properties of soil and stone materials in a controlled laboratory environment to verify classification and structural characteristics.

  • Concrete and Grout Testing

    Measures compressive strength and physical characteristics of concrete, mortar, and grout specimens to verify compliance.

Environmental Services

Service website

Conducts diligent property assessments and field monitoring to identify and mitigate environmental liabilities. Diligent assessment protocols support real estate transactions and regulatory compliance.

  • Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

    Performs historical and historical-use reviews of properties to identify potential environmental liabilities and recognized conditions.

  • Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

    Conducts soil, vapor, and groundwater sampling to confirm or rule out contamination identified during initial property reviews.

  • Phase III Site Remediation

    Coordinates cleanup efforts and remediation planning to restore contaminated properties to compliance with regulatory standards.

  • Land Disturbance Monitoring

    Monitors active construction sites to ensure soil erosion, sediment control, and run-off comply with environmental permits.

  • Water Quality Monitoring

    Performs regular sampling and analytical testing of surface water and groundwater systems to track environmental safety.

Residential Engineering

Service website

Assists homebuilders and residential developers with tailored site assessments and structural consultations. Professional soil and foundation guidance helps protect residential structures against local soil hazards.

  • Shrink-Swell Soil Evaluations

    Identifies active clay soils that expand and contract, protecting foundations from structural damage.

  • Residential Footing and Foundation Recommendations

    Provides specific design guidance for residential footings to accommodate local soil conditions and shrink-swell risks.

  • Roadway and Utilities Consulting

    Advises on subgrade preparation and alignment for neighborhood infrastructure, including residential roads and utility lines.

Industries

Commercial · Residential · Industrial · Government · Infrastructure

Projects

Manchester Condos

Richmond, VA · Multifamily Residential

Project details

Conducted test borings, environmental Phase I assessment, construction materials testing, and special inspections for a residential condominium development.

Richmond Flood Wall

Richmond, VA · Infrastructure · 1991

Project details

Assumed and honored critical geotechnical and testing contracts previously held by ATEC Associates upon the founding of Zannino Engineering in 1991.

Deep Excavation Project - Prince William County

Prince William County, VA · Commercial · Client: Southwood Builders

Project details

Designed an innovative sheeting and shoring solution to support a very deep excavation, enabling safe site work and construction.

American Civil War Museum Expansion at Historic Tredegar

Richmond, VA · Historic Preservation · Client: American Civil War Museum

Project details

Provided engineering and testing support to allow new construction adjacent to delicate historic structures, protecting local industrial heritage.