Abstract: This paper investigates modeling approaches describing the hysteretic behavior of R/C bridge piers subjected to cyclic loading. Corresponding to the low-cycle reversed loading test of 6 R/C bridge piers, different pier models are created firstly using ANSYS software and evaluated experimentally, where bridge piers are circular-sectioned and flexure & shear dominated. Then, the following related points are discussed including the influences of the shear retention coefficients, the strain softening in the concrete stress-strain relationship, the Bauschinger effect of reinforcing steel, the bond-slip relationship between the longitudinal reinforcement and the concrete, and the effect of concrete failure surface. Finally, a modified analysis model is presented and its accuracy is verified by comparing the calculated hysteretic curves and skeleton cutves with the experimental tesults.