What are the main vertical columns that transfer the load of a bridge into the ground called?

The main vertical columns that transfer the load of a bridge into the ground are referred to as piers. Piers serve a critical function in bridge design, providing the necessary structural support to maintain stability and distribute loads effectively. They are strategically placed to hold up the superstructure of the bridge, accounting for both vertical loads (such as the weight of the bridge itself and the traffic it carries) and lateral loads (such as wind and seismic forces).

Piers are typically made of reinforced concrete or steel and are designed to withstand various environmental and load conditions. Their placement and design are key considerations in ensuring the overall safety and durability of the bridge. By transferring loads from the bridge to the foundation and ultimately to the ground, piers play a vital role in the structural integrity of bridge systems.

Other terms such as columns, supports, and footings may relate to parts of the bridge structure, but they do not specifically refer to the vertical elements that directly carry loads as piers do. Columns can refer to vertical elements in various structures but lack the specific load-bearing context that piers provide in the scenario of bridges. Similarly, supports can be a broader term for components that uphold structures, and footings refer to the base elements that distribute loads to the