Abstract:
The Paw Paw Slope Stabilization Project is located in one of the most remote portions of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (CHOH), immediately adjacent to the historic Paw Paw Tunnel. Â Â The steep rock slopes on both sides of the canal have long plagued the Park with instability, including a significant rockslide in 2016, which closed the CHOH Towpath Trail, and destroyed a popular pedestrian boardwalk.
Utilizing a design-build contracting approach, the National Park Service teamed with Drill Tech and Brierley Associates to design and complete stabilization of 1,000 linear feet of rock slopes located on both sides of the canal, removal of the May 2016 rockslide debris field, and construction of a new boardwalk. Â Â The goal of the project was to improve park safety and access, while preserving the natural appearance of the site, and protecting sensitive historic features. Â During site mobilization it was discovered that a second, previously undetected large rockslide was imminent, requiring immediate removal and adding additional challenges to the project from the standpoint of access and safety. Â Innovative slope stabilization methods included top-down excavation and rope-access scaling, site-specific spot and pattern rock anchors, use of pinned steel mesh, and placement of sculpted steel reinforced concrete buttresses.
Following completion, the project won the Outstanding Project Award in ACEC/MD's 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards and the 2024 Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists (AEG) Outstanding Environmental and Engineering Geologic (OEEG) Project Award.
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Nick Strater - Brierley Associates
Bob Stier - Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc.