Piers are intermediate supports of a bridge, while abutments are the end supports that also retain the approach embankments.PiersA pier is a vertical substructure that provides support at intermediate...
A pier is a vertical substructure that provides support at intermediate points along a bridge span. Its primary functions are to transfer vertical loads from the bridge superstructure to the foundation and to resist horizontal forces, including those from wind, water flow, or seismic activity . Piers typically consist of a column shaft and a foundation, and they can be constructed from reinforced concrete, steel, or composite materials . Depending on the design and site conditions, piers can be classified as solid piers or open piers . They are positioned between abutments and can be multiple in number for multi-span bridges, providing essential support for the bridge deck .
An abutment is the substructure located at the ends of a bridge. It serves to support the bridge superstructure, transfer loads to the ground, and retain the embankment of the approach roadway . Abutments also protect the embankment from scouring in river bridges. They can be constructed using brick masonry, stone masonry, mass concrete, precast concrete blocks, or reinforced concrete . Abutments may include wing walls to stabilize the soil and prevent lateral movement of the approach fill . The top surface of an abutment is designed to accommodate the type of bridge superstructure, such as flat for girder bridges or with skewbacks for arch bridges .
| Feature | Pier | Abutment |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Intermediate points along the bridge | Ends of the bridge |
| Function | Supports bridge spans, transfers vertical and horizontal loads | Supports bridge ends, retains embankment, transfers loads to ground |
| Construction | Reinforced concrete, steel, or composite | Masonry, mass concrete, precast blocks, or RCC |
| Number | Can be multiple | Usually two (one at each end) |
| Additional Role | May resist lateral forces like seismic loads | Protects embankment from scouring and lateral soil pressure |
In essence, piers act as internal supports that hold up the bridge deck between the ends, while abutments serve as terminal supports that anchor the bridge to the ground and stabilize the approach embankments. Both are critical substructures that ensure the stability, load transfer, and durability of a bridge .
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