The Preservation of Historic Canals and Locks

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 3:30 PM in 190 KNOWLTON HALL

The Construction of American Canals in the 19th century required the installation of many locks to compensate for the steep grades of the landscape. The locks contained mitre and drop gates to control the water level within for the passing boats. After the Canals ceased operation about 100 years later the locks were abandoned and continued to deteriorate. It became important to preserve the locks in a historically correct manner including the operation of the gates and machinery for the education and recreation of the public. Canal enthusiasts, historic organizations, and recreation park owners provdided the enthusiasm and funding to accomplish the Lock preservation projects in many states.

Lock 44 C&O Canal, Williamsport, MD

Lock 44 was constructed in the early 1830s with a bypass structure. The project required stabilization of the canal walls, an inspection and repair to the timber flooring and production of new mitre gates. This work was accomplished by the National Park Service Maintenance Department.

Lock 11, Delaware Canal, New Hope, PA

Originally constructed in the 1830s, the lock was dewatered when it was restored and reconstructed in the early 1900s. It is abutting a portion of the active Delaware Canal where pleasure boats pulled my mules are providing public recreation. The restoration was completed in 2005 by the DCNR owners and operators.

Augusta Canal, Augusta, GA

The Augusta Canal, located along the Savannah River between South Carolina and Georgia, was originally built in 1845 and expanded in 1875. It provided boat transportation, electric power, and water supply. the restoration project was undertaken by the Augusta Canal Authority and completed in 2006.

Mr. Lichtenstein has over 45 years of experience in the design, inspection and rating of bridges and waterfront structures. He helped develop national standards for the rating and inspecting of all types of bridges. He was the principal investigator for research that resulted in AASHTO Manual for Condition Evaluation of Highway Bridges and the NCHRP Publication of a manual for rating bridges through load testing. Mr. Lichtenstein is a registered professional engineer in ten states.

Abba is a Civil Engineering Graduate of The Ohio State University, which has granted him an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering. He is a member of numerous professional organizations and is an Honorary Member of ASCE, where he recieved the History and Heritage Award. He was accorded the Presidential Award in 1988 for his work on the Roebling Aqueduct.

Dr. Lichtenstein is one of OSU's most Distinguished Alumni