A novel seismic design method, namely split-pier seismic design, is proposed. A vertical gap and connect elements are set in split-piers. The lateral stiffness of piers is reduced by cracking of the connect elements under severe earthquake, and the seismic response of bridges is reduced by avoiding the site predominant periods. A model of tied-arch rigid frame bridge with split-piers was designed. Seismic performance was investigated by pseudo-static experimentation on the scale model, The failure process of split-piers, the hysteresis characteristic and the effect of split-piers on the superstructure are presented. Results show that the split-pier has better seismic performance than common ductile piers do.
