May 2013
C&O Canal Big Slackwater Earns ACI Award
The C&O Canal Big Slackwater Historic Stone Wall and Towpath Rehabilitation and Stabilization in Downsville, Md., earned an Excellence in Concrete Award from the Maryland Chapter of the American Concrete Institute. The award was presented in a ceremony on May 23, 2013.
The project involved a structural condition assessment and design for stabilization to provide continuous, safe access along the towpath for pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Strategies were developed that minimize both the amount of new construction materials and onsite labor for limited environmental impact. Keast & Hood Co. was part of a team retained by the National Park Service, including HDR, Incorporated (feasibility study) and Farewell Mills & Gatsch (construction documents).
The recognition marks the second award this year for the project. It also earned a Grand Award in the Structural Engineers Association of Metropolitan Washington awards program in February.