Piers
In architecture piers can be defined as an interchangeably for several different building elements. In general, it is an upright support for a structure or superstructure, but it can also refer to the sections of load-bearing structural walls between openings and different types of column.
Piers are most commonly made of concrete, masonry or treated timber, and installed into prepared holes or shafts.
Piers can serve a similar purpose to piles, but are not installed by hammers and have the potential, if based on a stable substrate, to support a greater load. Pier shafts have been excavated with widths of more than 1.8 m and depths of more than 30 m , capable of supporting high-rise buildings.
Piers can also be used in foundations as a means of raising a structure from the ground, in particular if the structure is on a slope or near a large body of water. They differ from conventional foundations in that they support the structural load at a number of distinct points. This typically requires less excavation and soil disruption than other types of foundation.
The simplest cross-section of a pier is square or rectangular, although other shapes are common. In medieval architecture, drum piers (circular supports), cruciform piers (cross-shaped), and compound piers (combined with pilasters, columns or shafts) were common architectural elements. Compound piers were often used to form an arcade of arches, meeting the ribs descending from the vaults above.
The lower section of a pier may be widened to better distribute the downward pressure of a particularly large superstructure.
Piers used for supporting bridges are often installed in the form of caissons, which are sunk into position to the bearing stratum by excavating from the interior. For more information, see Caisson.
The term 'pier' may also be used to refer to a marine structure that projects into a body of water, supported by a series of columns, typically allowing docking of marine craft, but also used for pleasure. The open structure of piers allows water to flow underneath, in contrast to more solid wharfs or quays.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.