Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Engineering Solutions for Critical Infrastructure
Founded in 1984, RIZZO INTERNATIONAL has evolved from a small engineering firm into a globally recognized leader in civil, geotechnical, and structural engineering consulting. With over 40 years of experience, our team of licensed professionals delivers innovative solutions for critical infrastructure projects, including dams, nuclear power plants, and water resources. Our collaborative approach ensures client involvement in every decision, supported by a quality management system certified under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we maintain regional offices in Denver, New York, and Orlando, with international partnerships spanning 15 languages. As a Women Business Enterprise-certified firm, we prioritize diversity and sustainability, empowering infrastructure innovations that drive global progress. Our expertise in seismic hazard analysis, hydrologic modeling, and construction management has earned trust from governments, utilities, and international agencies across 40+ countries.
Services
Dam Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Seismic Engineering
Geological Investigations
Hazard Analysis
Hydrologic Modeling
Testing & Inspection
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized expertise in dam and nuclear infrastructure engineering.
- Our ISO-certified quality management system ensures rigorous project execution standards.
- We maintain a global network with staff fluent in 15 languages for international projects.
- Our collaborative approach integrates client input throughout the decision-making process.
- We are a certified Women Business Enterprise committed to diversity and innovation.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 14001:2015
- Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Services
Dam Engineering
RIZZO INTERNATIONAL specializes in dam engineering with 35+ years of experience in new and remedial design for concrete and embankment dams. Our services include safety inspections, emergency action planning, and seismic rehabilitation. Clients benefit from our expertise in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission compliance and global dam safety standards.
Geotechnical Engineering
Our geotechnical services include liquefaction analysis, rock mechanics, and subsurface investigations using advanced software like FLAC and PLAXIS. We provide ground improvement solutions and forensic investigations for infrastructure projects. Clients receive data-driven recommendations for foundation stability and seismic resilience.
Seismic Engineering
RIZZO offers seismic hazard assessments, probabilistic risk evaluations, and structural retrofitting solutions. Our team conducts seismic walk-downs and margin assessments for nuclear and critical infrastructure. Clients gain compliance with international safety standards and enhanced structural durability.
Hazard Analysis
We perform natural and human-induced hazard analyses, including flood, earthquake, and aircraft impact assessments. Our proprietary software models annual frequencies for parameters like ground motion. Clients receive comprehensive risk mitigation strategies for dams and nuclear facilities.
Testing & Inspection
Our services include concrete strength testing, aggregate gradation analysis, and field compaction control. We provide quality assurance for construction materials in dam and infrastructure projects. Clients benefit from real-time data to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
People
Rachelle Rizzo
President | CEO
With 33+ years at RIZZO, Rachelle Rizzo leads strategic growth as President and CEO. She oversees corporate operations and ensures alignment with client needs while championing women's leadership in engineering.
Michael Edwards
Chief Operating Officer
Michael Edwards manages day-to-day operations and specializes in geotechnical analysis for nuclear and hydroelectric projects. With 20+ years at RIZZO, he ensures technical and operational excellence across global projects.
Mara McClain
Senior Vice President | Administration
Mara McClain leads administrative operations and WBE certification efforts. With 20 years at RIZZO, she fosters a collaborative culture and manages international logistics for project teams.
John Paul Giunta
Senior Vice President | Finance
John Paul Giunta oversees financial operations with 23+ years of experience. A licensed engineer, he manages budgets and contracts while contributing technical expertise to complex infrastructure projects.
John P. Osterle
Senior Vice President | Dams and Water Resources
John Osterle, a 40-year veteran, specializes in dam rehabilitation and flood protection. He chairs the Environment and Sustainability Committee for the U.S. Society on Dams and leads high-profile projects globally.
Questions
What engineering services does RIZZO INTERNATIONAL specialize in?
We specialize in dam engineering, geotechnical analysis, seismic hazard assessment, hydrologic modeling, and testing for critical infrastructure projects globally.
How long has RIZZO INTERNATIONAL been in operation?
Founded in 1984 as Paul C. Rizzo Associates, we transitioned to RIZZO INTERNATIONAL in 2017 with 40+ years of cumulative experience.
Is RIZZO INTERNATIONAL certified for quality management?
Yes, our quality management system is ISO 9001:2015 certified and compliant with ISO 14001:2015 environmental standards.
What geographic areas does RIZZO serve?
We operate in the U.S., Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia with multilingual staff supporting international projects.
Is RIZZO INTERNATIONAL a women-owned business?
Yes, we are certified as a Women Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
