Bridge foundation

A bridge foundation transfers forces from the bridge into the ground or seabed. Its form depends on structural loads, water conditions, and the properties of the supporting material.

Shallow foundation: A foundation that transfers structural loads to soil or rock near the ground surface. Spread footings support bridge piers where near-surface ground can bear their loads.
Geotechnical engineering: The branch of engineering concerned with soil, rock, and their interaction with structures. Geotechnical investigation establishes whether the ground can support the proposed bridge foundation.
Bridge pier: A vertical support that carries a bridge span between its end supports. Pier foundations transfer concentrated loads from the bridge's intermediate supports into the ground.
Spread footing: A shallow foundation element that distributes a column or wall load across a wider area. Spread footings suit bridge supports when adequate bearing material lies near the surface.
Pile foundation: A foundation system that uses long, slender members to transfer loads into deeper soil or rock. Piles carry bridge loads past weak surface deposits to stronger layers or resist uplift.
Soil mechanics: The study of soil behavior under forces, including strength, deformation, and water flow. Soil mechanics helps predict how foundation loads affect the supporting ground.
Bridge abutment: An end support that carries a bridge span and retains the approach embankment. Abutment foundations support the bridge ends while resisting soil pressure from the approaches.
Micropile: A small-diameter, grouted deep foundation element reinforced with steel. Micropiles can strengthen or replace bridge foundations where access or headroom is limited.
Caisson: A watertight retaining structure used to construct a foundation below water or in unstable ground. Caissons let crews build substantial bridge foundations in rivers and other submerged sites.
Bedrock: The continuous solid rock beneath soil, sediment, or other unconsolidated material. Bedrock can provide a strong bearing layer or an anchor for bridge foundations.

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