Subject: Why is a bridge piling called a 'bent'

Many years ago, I saw a CALTRANS (California DOT) worker spraypainting a
bridge with the word 'bent'.

Having recently been through an earthquake, I thought, 'hmm, bet they are
going to reinforce that, because it's bent'

Of course, I soon realized that almost every bridge in the state was bent
too. There had to be a different answer.

I'm sure I now know what a bent IS (an inline structure, vs. a pier).

But, how did it get it's name? What is the significance of the name?

It seems like 'bent' would be the farthest one would want to describe
engineering works.

Re: Why is a bridge piling called a 'bent'