Handbook of Railroad Construction; For the use of American engineers. Containing the necessary rules, tables, and formulæ for the location, construction, equipment, and management of railroads, as built in the United States.

This handbook gathers the essential rules, tables, and calculations that American railroad engineers need on the job. Written in straightforward language, it walks the reader through the early stages of a railway project—reconnaissance, topographic survey, and route location—showing how to translate raw measurements into practical alignments and grades. The opening chapters also explain how to prepare specifications, evaluate bids, and set out the line on the ground, all illustrated with clear diagrams.

The guide continues with step‑by‑step advice on earthworks, rock cutting, and the many forms of bridge construction, from timber trestles to iron arches and stone spans. It also covers masonry details, foundation techniques, and the selection and maintenance of track equipment and stations. Intended as a desk companion rather than a theoretical treatise, the book draws on the expertise of leading engineers of the day, providing ready‑to‑use numbers for dimensions, material strengths, and cost estimates.