Radstadt. See [Rastadt].
Raft. A species of floating bridge for the passage of rivers, on which the soldiers and light artillery may be safely conveyed.
Raft of Casks. This raft may be constructed by forming a frame of timber to contain the casks.
The frame consists of four longitudinal pieces halved into four transoms. The long pieces must be at least 20 feet long, and their distance apart be a little less than the head diameter of the casks. The under edges are beveled so as to give them a good bearing on the casks.
In default of square timber, poles may be used in the construction of the frame. The string-pieces and transoms may be spiked or lashed at their points of junction.
The four exterior casks in the raft should be lashed to the frame, otherwise they may be carried off by the current when the raft lurches. For other kinds of rafts, see [Pontons].
Raft, Prairie. See [Pontons].
Rafts, Timber. Employ the largest and longest timber, giving at least 35 feet length to the raft. Shorter than this it will not have sufficient stability, but will be subject to dangerous oscillations, especially in a rapid stream. Squaring the timber will be worse than useless. Any irregularities, such as branches and knots, should be trimmed off. The raft must be built in the water. Select a place where there is little current, and where the bank slopes gently to the water.
The timber is then arranged in the position it is to have in the raft,—the butts alternately up and down the stream,—the upstream ends forming a right angle, salient up-stream.
Suppose the case of a raft to be composed of 20 logs, 47 feet long, and averaging 12 inches in diameter.