Ackenheil Engineers

Ackenheil’s History


Ackenheil Engineers, Inc., was founded in 1958 by Dr. Alfred C. Ackenheil.   As a University of Pittsburgh faculty member, he recognized the importance of students immediately utilizing what they were learning and putting it into practice.  Thus, many of his students in civil engineering were able to supplement their learning with part-time work at his firm.  Dr. Ackenheil sold the firm in 1984, but maintained an affiliation with the firm for many years after he formally retired.

Focusing on geotechnical engineering, the company has paid particular attention to soil and rock mechanics to investigate subsurface conditions and materials.  Through test borings Ackenheil staff gather information about the soil and rock conditions to determine the best approach for any project.  If needed, laboratory testing is performed at the company’s lab. Ackenheil’s engineers are able to assess possible risks that are posed by site conditions and provide recommendations on how to minimize those risks.  When unforeseen conditions surface and try to derail the success of a project, Ackenheil is there to minimize delays and maintain headway.


Over the past 62 years Ackenheil has been serving the community with projects both large and small. From bridges, dams, and highways to mine subsidence and remediation design. We are proud of them all and believe our works speak for themselves. Below are just a few of our recent projects.

  • Southern Beltway S.R. 0030 to S.R. 0079 Construction Inspection

  • I-70 to PA 51 Interchange

  • Freeport Borough LTCP Phase II – Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

  • Raccoon State Park Density Testing

  • Kennywood Landslide for West Mifflin Sewer Authority

  • Allegheny County Airport West Ramp and Terminal Parking Improvement

  • All StorExpress projects - latest is the Overbrook StorExpress

  • Allegheny County District 5 Warehouse

  • Dookers Hollow Bridge Rehab

  • Greene County Bridges 31, 73, and 75 Geotechnical Investigations

  • Staunton Height Landslide Remediation

  • Garret County Airport Construction Inspection