Effect of Vertical Separation of Piers and Beams on Failure Modes of Bridge Piers

In this study, a double span continuous girder bridge is used to derive the dynamic response of the structure. By calculating the variation of vertical contact force of pier and beam, the vertical separation condition of pier and beam is put forward. By comparing the changes of the vertical contact force of pier and beam and the extreme value of longitudinal deformation of pier under the two conditions of separation or not, the influence of the dynamic response change caused by separation on pier failure is analyzed. According to the calculation, the separation of pier and beam is related to the excitation frequency and amplitude, and the separation will increase the risk of pier failure under compression, bending and shear. And the failure mode of bridge pier at the initial moment is separated. Therefore, it is of great significance to reasonably design bridges near faults and balances all kinds of possible pier damage.