Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, vol. LXX, Dec. 1910 Tests of Creosoted Timber, Paper No. 1168

This paper offers a snapshot of early‑twentieth‑century civil‑engineering research, focusing on how creosote‑treated southern pine performed after decades of service in a humid, rain‑soaked environment. Drawing on timber recovered from a New Orleans railroad trestle that had endured 26 years of heavy train traffic, the author details the condition of the beams, noting the surprising lack of decay despite constant exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

The study explains the rigorous steam‑and‑oil treatment process prescribed for the wood, then describes the precise laboratory bending tests conducted on a massive Riehlé machine at Tulane University. Readers hear about the test setup, support arrangements, and the deflection data gathered, providing insight into the material’s strength and durability. For anyone interested in the practical challenges of early timber preservation and the methods used to evaluate long‑term performance, the paper delivers a clear, methodical account rooted in real‑world engineering practice.