ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the ideal objectives of pier protective works from the point of view of both the bridge owner and the mariner. It provides an overview of current practice in the use of, or avoidance of the need for, protective works for bridge piers with a distinction made among the straits crossing case, the estuarine case, and the riverine case. The chapter describes special types of protective works used or proposed for particularly difficult or unique problems. The ideal objective of protective works is to protect not only the bridge structure, but also the involved vessel and the environment. The classic ogee nose on many older bridge piers is an example of a redirecting or deflecting shape, very useful in reducing the force exerted by a vessel collision. Protective systems generally divide into two fundamental sets, those that are independent of the pier structure, and those that are partially or fully supported by the pier structure.
