Abstract:The selection of reasonable pier type is an effective measure to reduce the cost of high-pier long-span continuous rigid frame bridges. Taking the design of the Wachang Grand Bridge as the background, the composite pier type used in the original design of the main pier will be optimized into a single-limb hollow thin-walled pier. By establishing a spatial finite element model, the comparison and analysis are carried out. The result shows that the stress levels of the beams of the two main pier types are equivalent. The stability of single-limb hollow piers is better than that of composite piers. In the maximum double-cantilever construction state, the strength safety factor of using the single-limb hollow thin-walled piers is smaller than that of composite piers, but the safety factor is equivalent after completion of the bridge. The economy of using single-limb hollow thin-walled piers is better than that of composite piers, which can greatly save the costs and have the obvious advantages in construction quality and duration. The research results can provide certain reference and significance for similar bridges in mountainous areas in the future.