Design and Construction of Modern Steel Railway Bridges

John F. Unsworth

Preference :

The need for reliable transportation systems evolved with the industrial revolution. By the early 19th century, it was necessary to transport materials, finished goods, and people over greater distances in shorter times. These societal requirements, in conjunction with the development of steam power, heralded the birth of the railroad. The steam locomotive with a trailing train of passenger or freight cars on iron rails became the principal means of transportation. Accordingly, as transportation improvements were required, the railroad industry became the primary catalyst in the evolution of materials and engineering mechanics in the latter half of the 19th century. The railroad revolutionized the 19th century. Railroad transportation commenced in the UK on the Stockton to Darlington Railway in 1823 and on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830. The first commercial railroad in the United States was the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, which was chartered in 1827.