What Is Pier?
This Piers provide vertical supports for spans at intermediate of different points and perform both main functions: transferring vertical superstructure loads to the foundations and resisting horizontal forces acting on this bridge.
Although piers are designed to resist vertical loads, it is becoming common to design piers into resisting high lateral loads caused by seismic events. Even in some low seismic areas, designers are paying more attention to this ductility aspect of the design.
These Piers are predominantly constructed using reinforced concrete. This Steel, to a lesser degree, is also used for piers. The Steel tubes filled with concrete columns have gained more attention recently.
The piers or columns for conventional bridges, such as grade separations, overcrossing, overheads, underpasses, and simple river crossings. Reinforced concrete columns will be discussed in detail, while steel and composite columns will be briefly discussed.
Substructures for arch, suspension, segmental, cable-stayed, and movable bridges are excluded from the substructures for some of these special types of bridges.
Types of Piers
The main two types of piers are as follows.
#1. Solid Piers.
- Solid Masonry Piers
- Solid Reinforced Concrete Piers
#2. Open Pier.
- Cylindrical Piers
- Column Piers or Column Bent
- Pile Pier or Pile Bents
- Trestle Pier or Trestle Bent
- Masonry Piers
- Mass Concrete Piers
- Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Piers
- Fixed Piers
- Hammerhead or Cantilevered Piers
- Special Shaped Bent
- V-Shaped Concrete Pier
What Is Abutment?
A bridge abutment is a substructure that supports one terminus of the superstructure of a bridge and, at the same time, laterally supports the embankment which serves as an approach to the bridge.
For a river bridge, the abutment also protects the embankment from scouring of the stream. Bridge abutments can be made of masonry plain concrete or reinforced concrete.
Types of Abutments
5 types of abutments are as follows.
- Closed Abutment
- Stub or Perched Abutment
- Pedestal or Spill-through Abutment
- Integral End Bents
- Mechanically Stabilized Abutment
Difference Between Pier and Abutment
| Sr.No. | Detail | Pier | Abutment |
| 1 | Support | The intermediate supports for the superstructure of a multi-span bridge are known as piers. | The end supports of a bridge superstructure are known as abutments. |
| 2 | Material | A pier essentially consists of two parts i.e. a column shaft and the foundation. | Abutments are built either with brick masonry, stone masonry, mass concrete, precast concrete blocks or RCC. |
| 3 | Function | The function of a pier is to transmit the load from the bridge to the underneath sub-soil. | Abutments support the ends of the bridge and transfer the loads from the superstructure into the ground. |
| 4 | Types | Types of Piers • Solid Piers • Open Pier |
Types of Abutments • Closed Abutment • Stub or Perched Abutment • Pedestal or Spill-through Abutment • Integral End Bents • Mechanically Stabilized Abutment |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Bridge Substructures: Piers vs Abutments
What is the primary function of a bridge pier?
Bridge piers serve as vertical supports for the spans of a bridge, transferring loads from the superstructure to the foundation. They also resist horizontal forces, including those from seismic events.
How are bridge piers constructed?
Piers are predominantly constructed using reinforced concrete. Steel is also used to a lesser extent, often in the form of steel tubes filled with concrete columns.
What are the main types of bridge piers?
The main types of bridge piers include solid piers (such as masonry and reinforced concrete) and open piers (including cylindrical, column, pile, trestle, and others).
What is the function of a bridge abutment?
A bridge abutment supports the ends of the bridge superstructure and transfers the loads from the superstructure into the ground. It also provides lateral support to the embankment that serves as an approach to the bridge.
What materials are used to construct bridge abutments?
Bridge abutments can be constructed using materials such as brick masonry, stone masonry, mass concrete, precast concrete blocks, or reinforced concrete.
How do piers differ from abutments in terms of support and function?
Piers are intermediate supports for the superstructure of multi-span bridges, while abutments are the end supports of the superstructure. Piers transmit vertical loads to the sub-soil, whereas abutments support the ends of the bridge and provide lateral support to the embankment.
What are some specialized types of bridge abutments?
Specialized types of bridge abutments include closed abutments, stub or perched abutments, pedestal or spill-through abutments, integral end bents, and mechanically stabilized abutments.
How are bridge substructures designed to withstand seismic events?
In areas prone to seismic activity, bridge substructures, including piers and abutments, are designed with enhanced ductility and strength to withstand lateral forces generated by earthquakes.
Can piers and abutments be made from composite materials?
Yes, composite materials, combining properties of different materials like steel and concrete, are sometimes used to construct piers and abutments, especially in high-stress areas or for specific design requirements.
What factors influence the selection of pier and abutment types for bridge construction?
Factors such as bridge span, soil conditions, hydraulic considerations, seismic activity, and aesthetic preferences influence the selection of pier and abutment types in bridge construction projects.
