What were the materials to construct the transcontinental railroad?
I already knew the railroad was mostly constructed by hand by thousands of workers, but i need help to find out what kind of materials they used to build and construct the railroad. Also, what are the materials are in/on the railroad.
http://www.generalcontractor.com/resources/articles/transcontinental-railroad.asp
Were the materials spikes and wood for both Union and Central Pacific railroads to construct the transcontinental railroad?
The website you provided me was not very informational on the materials.
http://www.generalcontractor.com/resources/articles/transcontinental-railroad.asp
I think that this site might answer your question of materials that were used.
The answer is Chinese immigrants.
To find out what materials were used to construct the transcontinental railroad, you can refer to historical records, books, or online resources. One of the best ways to access this information is by researching books or articles specifically written about the construction of the transcontinental railroad.
When it comes to the materials used in building the railroad, there are a few key components to consider:
1. Railroad Ties: The transcontinental railroad used wooden railroad ties, also known as sleepers, to provide support and stability to the tracks. These ties were typically made of hardwood, such as oak or cedar.
2. Rails: The rails themselves were made of iron and later steel. In the initial stages of construction, iron rails were commonly used. However, as technology progressed, steel rails became the preferred choice due to their increased durability and strength.
3. Ballast: The tracks were laid on a bed of ballast, which consisted of crushed stones, gravel, or cinders. This layer of ballast provided drainage and stability to the tracks.
4. Fasteners: Various types of fasteners were used to secure the rails to the ties. In the early stages of construction, spikes made of iron were hammered through the rails and into the wooden ties. Later, more advanced fastening systems like bolts and plates were introduced.
5. Bridge Materials: The construction of the transcontinental railroad involved bridging numerous rivers, canyons, and other obstacles. To build these bridges, materials such as timber, steel beams, and masonry were used.
It's important to note that the specific materials employed may have varied depending on the section of the railroad and the time of construction. Consulting historical sources will provide a more detailed account of the materials used during specific phases and locations of the transcontinental railroad's construction.