Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Geotechnical Engineering Partner
Founded in 1976, Larry M Jacobs & Associates (LMJ) is a veteran-owned small business specializing in geotechnical engineering, drilling, and materials testing. With over 7,000 successfully completed projects, we are the longest-standing and most experienced firm in our region. Our team combines decades of local expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver innovative solutions for challenging soil conditions. We maintain AASHTO-certified laboratories in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, ensuring accurate and timely testing results. Our core values of teamwork, excellence, and honesty guide every project, from initial consultation to final execution. With a legacy rooted in the U.S.Navy Civil Engineer Corps, our leadership brings unparalleled technical proficiency and a commitment to client success. We serve diverse sectors including healthcare, hospitality, and government infrastructure, adapting to evolving industry standards while preserving our founding principles. Our engineers and technicians hold advanced certifications in geotechnical analysis, non-destructive testing, and environmental assessments. By prioritizing responsive service and practical problem-solving, we consistently exceed client expectations across the Gulf Coast and Southeastern United States.
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Drilling Services
Construction Materials Testing
Non-Destructive Testing
Environmental Drilling
Pile Load Testing
Soil Analysis
Foundation Design
Phase I Assessments
Stormwater Management
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 7,000 projects since 1976.
- Our team includes experts with decades of geotechnical experience.
- We maintain AASHTO-certified testing laboratories for accuracy.
- We specialize in solving complex Gulf Coast soil challenges.
- Our engineers hold advanced certifications in non-destructive testing.
Associations and certifications
- AASHTO
What people say
Depth of knowledge
Practical solutions
Professional staff
Challenging soil conditions
Value engineering
Services
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical engineering services focus on evaluating soil properties and subsurface conditions to design stable foundations. We analyze challenging soil types like expansive clays and compressible marine layers, providing tailored solutions for commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects. With advanced computer modeling tools and 45+ years of local experience, we ensure structural integrity while optimizing costs through value engineering.
Drilling Services
We offer comprehensive drilling services including Standard Penetration Testing (SPT), auger drilling, and waterborne operations. Our OSHA-certified drillers use specialized equipment for challenging environments like hurricane-damaged piers and environmentally sensitive areas. Real-time engineer-driller communication ensures precise data collection, supporting accurate foundation design and construction planning across the Gulf Coast region.
Construction Materials Testing
Our AASHTO-certified laboratories perform materials testing for concrete, soils, aggregates, and asphalt. We conduct field density tests, pile load analysis, and erosion control inspections to verify compliance with project specifications. With two Florida-based facilities and mobile testing capabilities, we deliver rapid results that prevent delays and ensure structural performance meets required standards for public and private sector clients.
Non-Destructive Testing
We provide ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and visual weld inspections to assess structural integrity without damaging components. Our certified technicians use advanced tools like ground penetrating radar and vibration monitoring to evaluate existing structures and construction elements. This service ensures safety compliance for critical infrastructure projects including bridges, high-rise buildings, and industrial facilities across the Southeastern United States.
Environmental Drilling
Our environmental drilling services support Phase I and II site assessments through precise soil and groundwater sampling. We install monitoring wells and piezometers to evaluate contamination levels while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. Specialized techniques for limited-access areas and environmentally sensitive sites help clients address remediation needs efficiently, supporting sustainable development projects throughout the Gulf Coast region.
People
Larry Jacobs
Senior Principal Engineer
Recognized geotechnical expert with 50+ years of experience across the Southeast. Served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps before founding LMJ in 1976. Developed innovative solutions for challenging soil conditions while maintaining commitment to client collaboration and technical excellence.
Keith Jacobs
President/Principal Engineer
President with 20+ years of geotechnical engineering experience on 1,000+ projects. Graduated from UCF with honors in 2002. Continues family legacy of technical excellence while leading LMJ's expansion into new markets and maintaining core values established by founder.
Robin Wynn
Laboratory Manager
Army veteran with 20+ years of materials testing experience. Oversees AASHTO-certified laboratory operations and quality management systems. Ensures compliance with industry standards while mentoring technicians and maintaining meticulous testing protocols for accurate client deliverables.
Terry Niemann
Project Manager/Geologist
Geologist with 18+ years of experience in hydrogeology and soil analysis. Specializes in challenging soil conditions including expansive and Appalachian soils. Provides technical expertise for complex projects while maintaining calm leadership during demanding field operations.
Val Bahrin
Professional Engineer
Licensed engineer with expertise in foundation design and stormwater systems. Holds Florida and Alabama PE licenses since 2022. Brings international perspective to local projects with Romanian and Russian language skills, supporting diverse client needs across the Gulf Coast region.
Questions
What geotechnical services does LMJ offer?
We provide foundation design, soil analysis, slope stability assessments, pavement engineering, and environmental site evaluations using advanced computer modeling and field testing.
How does LMJ handle challenging soil conditions?
Our team specializes in difficult soils like expansive clays and compressible marine layers, developing customized solutions through extensive borings and computer analysis.
Are LMJ's laboratories certified?
Yes, we maintain AASHTO-certified testing facilities in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach for concrete, soil, and aggregate analysis.
What construction testing services are available?
We offer pile load testing, compaction verification, concrete coring, asphalt density testing, and special inspections for structural components.
Does LMJ work outside Florida?
While based in Florida, we serve clients across the Southeastern United States, including Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia for major infrastructure projects.
Can LMJ handle emergency drilling needs?
We prioritize urgent projects but do not offer 24/7 emergency services. Our fast response team typically mobilizes within standard business hours.
