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Birendra Kumar Singh,
Abstract
This study presents the evaluation of vertical and lateral loads acting on a bridge pier–pedestal system subjected to self-weight and vehicular loading. The pier, having a height of 25 m, length of 20 m, and thickness of 1 m, was found to carry a self-weight of 1200 t. When combined with a vehicular load of 2000 t, the total vertical load on the pier becomes 3200 t. Considering lateral force effects, 21.7% of the total load was applied as lateral load, resulting in 694 t acting over the full height and length of the pier. The pedestal supporting the pier, with dimensions 20 m × 20 m × 3 m, contributes an additional self-weight of 2880 t. Consequently, the combined load of the pier and pedestal amounts to 6080 t, producing a lateral load of 1319 t acting over a height of 20 m. Further, below 30 m from the riverbed level, the additional pedestal mass increases the total load to 10,400 t, resulting in a lateral load of 2257 t acting over a 30 m height. The analysis highlights the significant influence of self-weight accumulation with depth on lateral load demand, emphasizing the importance of accurate load estimation for safe pier and foundation design
Keywords: Bridge pier, foundation design, lateral load, load intensity, pedestal, self-weight, structural stability, vehicular load
[This article belongs to Journal of Geotechnical Engineering ]
Birendra Kumar Singh. Soil Around the Pier Below the Bed Level of River. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering. 2026; 13(01):62-68.
Birendra Kumar Singh. Soil Around the Pier Below the Bed Level of River. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering. 2026; 13(01):62-68. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joge/article=2026/view=241520
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Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 01 |
| Received | 02/02/2026 |
| Accepted | 09/02/2026 |
| Published | 12/02/2026 |
| Publication Time | 10 Days |
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