The influence of tie-beam on bearing capacity characteristics of a dumbbell shaped pile-cap foundation was analyzed , this type foundation was widely used in long span bridges in China at present. FEA finite element model was established to selectively analyze the influence of the width and height of the tie beam on the foundation bearing characterstics of the dumbbell- shaped cap foundation. Furthermore, the rationality of setting pile foundation below the tie-beam was discussed.The results showed that As the height and width of the tie beam increase, the stiffness of the tie beam increases, and the transmitted shear or bending moment increases, which is beneficial to the calculation of the foundation bearing capacity under the superstructure load; However, the self-weight of the tie beam has also become larger, which is adverse for the calculation of the foundation bearing capacity. The adverse effect caused by the weight of the tie beam is much greater than the beneficial effect caused by the increase in stiffness. the pile foundation below the tie beam can effectively bear the weight of the tie beam, but the overall bearing capacity of the cap cannot be obviously improved with a pile placed below it.