Pier caps transfer the loads from the superstructure to the piers. They hold the bridge girders on bearing pads and disperse the loads from the bearings to the piers. Bridges with piers will all have pier caps to transfer the load from the superstructure.
Bridge deck formwork design involves creating a temporary structure that supports the weight of wet concrete during the construction of a bridge deck. The formwork provides the shape and contour for the finished deck and allows for the placement of reinforcement steel.