Pier

Definition

A pier is a timber, concrete, or masonry support for girders, posts, or arches. It can also be an intermediate support for a bridge span or a structure extending outward from shore into water used as a dock for ships.

Purpose

Piers provide structural support and stability for buildings, bridges, and docks. They distribute loads from the structure above to the foundation below, ensuring durability and safety.

Examples of Use

• Building Foundations: Supporting girders and columns in multi-story buildings.
• Bridges: Serving as intermediate supports between spans.
• Marinas: Extending into the water to provide docking space for boats and ships.

Related Terms

• Piling: Long, slender columns driven into the ground to support structures.
• Caisson: A watertight structure used for underwater construction, often in bridge and pier foundations.
• Abutment: A structure that supports the ends of a bridge span and retains the earth behind it.

Notes

• Material: Piers can be constructed from various materials depending on their intended use and environmental conditions.
• Design: Must be carefully designed to withstand loads, environmental forces, and potential impacts.