What structural issue could result from poor alignment of bridge piers?

Poor alignment of bridge piers can lead to uneven loading and potential instability of the bridge structure. When piers are misaligned, the loads transferred from the bridge deck to the foundation become irregular. This irregularity can result in certain areas of the bridge experiencing higher stress concentrations, while other areas may be underloaded. Consequently, this uneven distribution of forces can lead to structural problems, including excessive deflection, cracking, or even failure of certain components due to the inability to adequately support the weight of the bridge and its traffic loads.

Additionally, misalignment can compromise the overall stability of the bridge. If one part of the bridge is taking on more load than designed, it can create a situation where the structural integrity of the bridge is threatened over time. This is particularly critical because bridges are designed with specific load distribution assumptions; when these assumptions are violated due to alignment issues, the safety and longevity of the structure can be greatly impacted. Therefore, addressing pier alignment is crucial to ensuring uniform load distribution and maintaining the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.