This paper describees theoretical and experimental studies related to seismic assessment and retrofit of bridge columst footings. One "as built" model columm footing and three retrofit model colunzn footings have been tested under sinmulated seiatnic actions. Test results of the "'as built" footing indicated that columu/footing joint shear failure is a potential danger to existitng bridge, structures. Test results also indicated that if there is no dependable tensile capacity in the pile/footing connectiosz, a rocking behaveior may dominare pier resporzse, minimizing damage to footing and column. Model column footitzgs retrofit using current retrofit standards depeloped relatively stable hysteretic responses up to moderate ductility levels. However. experinzental obserations and theoretical analyses based on a strut-and-tie model and yield-line theory indicated that with current footing retrofit design, which lacks the consideration for joint shear design, the reiinforced concrete overlay may not develop a fully effective postcracking tnechanism. Improved retrofit details including long dowels to insure developnent of an effective joint shear-resistitlg nlechatlism are proposed and verified hy experimental results.