Handbook of Railroad Construction; For the Use of American Engineers

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. The object of this work is given in the plainest possible manner all instructions, rules, and tables necessary for the location, construction, equipment, and management of railroads.<br><br>As a general thing, American engineers are not educated for their business; and when they do possess a knowledge of pure science, they are at a loss how to apply it.<br><br>The reader is presumed acquainted with the elements of arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and mechanics; being thus provided, he will, by a perusal of what follows, be enabled to correctly proportion bridges, of wood, stone, and iron; abutments, piers, retaining walls, superstructure, and locomotive engines; and to plan and lay out, execute, and estimate any description of work occurring upon railroad.