What type of pier is typically utilized for highway grade crossings?

For highway grade crossings, the most appropriate type of pier is a column or open bent. These structures are designed to support the weight of the bridge while allowing for clearance below, which is especially important in traffic scenarios where vehicles need to pass freely underneath without obstruction.

Column piers are typically vertical structures that effectively transfer loads from the bridge deck down to the foundation. Open bents, meanwhile, consist of vertical columns with horizontal members that provide stability. This type of pier is ideal in highway settings as it maintains an open space, facilitating unobstructed movement of vehicles and ensuring visibility for drivers.

While other types of piers such as cantilever or hammerhead piers, pile bents, and drilled piers have their specific applications, they are not typically the first choice for highway grade crossings because they may not provide the same level of clearance and openness needed for safe highway operations. Cantilever piers, for instance, are more complex and better suited for locations that require longer spans, while pile bents are often utilized in locations with soft soil conditions. Drilled piers are generally used for their deep foundational capabilities but do not address the clearance requirements essential for grade crossings.