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.

by George L. Vose

Intersect each of the profiles by the horizontal planes a a, b b, c c, d d, equidistant vertically. In the profile A D, fig. 18, drop a vertical on to the base line from each of the intersections a, b, c, d, d, c, b, a. Make now A 1,1 2, 2 3, 3 4, etc., on the plan equal to the same on the profile. Next draw, on the plan, the line B E, at the right place and at the proper angle with A D; and having found the distances B 1, 1 2, 2 3, etc., as before, transfer them to the line B E on plan. Proceed in the same manner with the line C F.

The points a a a, b b b, c c c, are evidently at the same height above the base upon the profiles, whence the intersections of these lines with the surface line or 1 1 1, 2 2 2, 3 3 3, etc., on the plan, are also at the same height above the base; and an irregular line traced through the points 1 1 1, or 2 2 2, will show the intersection of a horizontal plane, with the natural surface.

When as at A we observe the contour lines near to each other, we conclude that the ground is steep. And when the distances are large, as at 6, 7, 8, we know that the ground falls gently. This is plainly seen both on plan and profile.

Fig. 15.

Having now the topographical sketch, fig. 15, we may easily deduce therefrom at any point a profile. If we would have a profile of G E, on plan, upon an indefinite line G E, fig. 19, we set off G 1, 1 2, 2 3, 3 4, etc., equal to the same distances on the plan. From these points draw verticals intersecting the horizontals a a, b b, c c; and lastly, through the intersections draw the broken line (surface line or profile) a, b, c, d, d, c, b, a. Thus we see how complete a knowledge of the ground a correct topographical sketch gives.

Fig. 19.

43. Field sketches for railroad work are generally made by the eye. The field book being ruled in squares representing one hundred feet each. When we need a more accurate sketch than this method gives, we may cross section the ground either by rods or with the level.

By making a very detailed map of a survey, and filling in with sketches of this kind, the location may be made upon paper and afterwards transferred to the ground.