Field test and probabilistic vulnerability assessment of a reinforced concrete bridge pier subjected to blast loads

•Field explosion test and axial compression test reveal a local failure and significant decrease of axial bearing capacity of RC pier subjected to blast load.•Numerical simulation algorithms and material models are verified by field explosion and post-blast axial compression test results.•RC pier exhibits different damage modes under different explosion scenarios.•RC pier damage sensitivity to the TNT charge is not constant.•Probabilistic vulnerability assessment for failure investigation of RC bridge pier under blast load.