Tetra Tech INCA worked directly with the Pittsburgh District and their contractor to optimize the design of a new floating guard wall for a new lock at Charleroi. Improvements in design are anticipated to provide a lower cost and a better performing structure. Some of these improvements included changes to rebar details to reduce installation time, changes in the concrete mix design to improve placement, revised ladder design, elimination of an intermediate joint to improve flotation and reduce cost, and simplification of wall armor embedments.