Pfeiler

Pfeiler, the German term for a pillar or pier, is a vertical load-bearing element used in architecture and civil engineering. It is typically more massive and robust than a column and is designed to transfer loads from arches, vaults, walls or bridges down to the foundation. Pfeiler can be freestanding or integrated into a wall, and they form part of a broader structural system.

In historical architecture, Pfeiler transmit forces from arches and vaults to the ground. In Gothic and Romanesque churches, piers often support multiple arches, while in bridges they rise from the deck to carry the superstructure. Pfeiler may be simple rectangular sections or more complex polygonal shapes to suit the arch or vault geometry. Their detailing ranges from plain functional forms to highly decorative treatments in stone or brick.

Shape and detailing vary widely: Pfeiler can be rectangular, square, cylindrical, or polygonal; profiles may taper toward the base, and capitals may be modest or absent depending on the design. The base is usually reinforced by a plinth to distribute loads. Medieval masonry Pfeiler frequently work with attached buttressing to resist lateral forces.

Materials and modern practice: Traditional Pfeiler are constructed in stone or brick with mortar. Contemporary constructions use reinforced concrete or steel-reinforced masonry, enabling longer spans and greater resilience. In bridge engineering, Pfeiler are designed to resist lateral forces from wind, water currents, and seismic activity.

Relation to related terms: Pfeiler is distinct from Säule (column); a Säule is typically slender and often has a defined base and capital, whereas a Pfeiler is a heavy, load-bearing member. In common usage, Pfeiler also refers to monumental supports in walls, arches, and bridges.