Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Geotechnical Engineering in Syracuse, NY
Founded in 2005 by Christopher Kenney, a licensed Professional Engineer with over 20 years of prior industry experience, Kenney Geo Technical Services has evolved from a one-person consultancy into a full-service geotechnical engineering firm. Our team of engineers, drillers, field technicians, and administrative professionals specializes in delivering mission-critical data for construction projects across Upstate New York. We combine advanced equipmentincluding state-of-the-art drill rigs from CME, Diedrich, and Geoprobewith practical problem-solving to address complex geotechnical challenges. Our collaborative approach begins with understanding client needs, followed by comprehensive site investigations that assess soil, rock, and environmental risks like earthquakes and landslides. We prioritize cost-effective solutions, often reviewing and optimizing existing geotechnical plans to ensure thoroughness, efficiency, and practicality.With expertise in foundation systems, ground modification, and laboratory testing, we serve developers, architects, and contractors who demand reliable, on-budget results. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our modern labs capabilities, including triaxial compression tests and soil liquefaction assessments. Operating year-round in Upstate New Yorks challenging conditions, we maintain a track record of rapid turnaround times without compromising accuracy. Our founders lifelong passion for geologyevident since childhood gravel sales and a formative high school experience with ground freezingdrives our culture of innovation and technical excellence. For projects requiring urgency, we mobilize quickly, leveraging decades of regional experience to meet tight deadlines while maintaining rigorous standards.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Subsurface Investigations
Laboratory Testing
Seismic Classification
Ground Modification
Foundation Systems
Earth Retention
Infiltration Testing
Concrete Coring
Geotechnical Monitoring
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of regional geotechnical expertise from our founder and team.
- Our modern laboratory performs 12+ specialized soil and concrete testing methods.
- We utilize advanced drill rigs capable of handling Upstate NY's diverse geology.
- Our value engineering reviews reduce project costs without compromising safety.
- We maintain rapid response capabilities for time-sensitive geotechnical emergencies.
Associations and certifications
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensed in New York State
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical engineering services assess soil, rock, and subsurface conditions to inform construction projects. We evaluate risks like earthquakes and landslides while providing data-driven recommendations for foundations and earth retention systems. Our team collaborates with developers and engineers to ensure safe, code-compliant designs tailored to regional geology.
Subsurface Investigations
We conduct comprehensive subsurface investigations using drilling, test borings, and geophysical methods. Our field density testing and lab analysis determine soil properties critical for construction planning. These assessments identify potential hazards like sinkholes or soil liquefaction, enabling proactive mitigation strategies for commercial and infrastructure projects.
Laboratory Testing
Our accredited lab performs 12+ soil and concrete testing protocols, including triaxial compression and vane shear tests. We analyze samples collected during field investigations to determine material properties essential for foundation design and construction quality control. Results guide cost-effective engineering decisions while meeting regulatory standards.
Ground Modification
We design ground modification systems to improve subsurface conditions for construction. Techniques include soil nailing, grouting, and compaction to enhance load-bearing capacity. Our solutions address challenges like unstable slopes or weak soils, ensuring structural integrity while minimizing long-term maintenance costs for infrastructure and building projects.
Seismic Classification
We perform seismic site classifications to assess earthquake risks for construction sites. Using refraction microtremor surveys and subsurface data, we determine soil amplification potential and recommend design parameters. This service helps engineers create structures resilient to seismic activity in accordance with regional building codes.
People
Christopher M. Kenney
Founder & Professional Engineer
With over 40 years in geotechnical engineering, Christopher Kenney established this firm after two decades at specialty contractors. A licensed P.E. in New York, he holds degrees from Clarkson and Cornell Universities. His expertise spans foundation systems, ground freezing, and regional geology, informed by hands-on experience since 1985.
Questions
What geotechnical services do you offer?
We provide subsurface investigations, laboratory testing, foundation design, ground modification, seismic classifications, earth retention systems, and construction monitoring across Upstate New York.
Do you handle emergency geotechnical projects?
Yes, we prioritize rapid response for time-sensitive requests, leveraging our equipment fleet and regional expertise to meet urgent deadlines without compromising quality.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Upstate New York and the broader Northeast region, with experience in diverse geological conditions and seasonal challenges.
Can you review existing geotechnical plans?
Yes, we evaluate third-party recommendations for thoroughness, cost-efficiency, and practicality, optimizing designs to meet project requirements while maintaining safety standards.
Are your laboratory testing methods accredited?
Our lab performs standardized tests under the supervision of licensed professionals, following protocols for accurate soil and concrete property analysis.
