A finite element model is constructed for a sliding friction bearing in a seismically isolated bridge under vertical excitation with contact/friction elements.The effects of vertical excitation on the seismic performance of a seismically isolated bridge with sliding friction bearings and different bearing friction coefficients and different stiffness levels(pier diameter)are discussed using example calculations,and the effects of excitation direction for vertical excitation on the analysis results are explored.The analysis results shows that vertical excitation has a relatively large impact on seismic performance for a seismically isolated bridge with sliding friction bearings,which should be considered when designing a seismically isolated bridge with sliding friction bearings where vertical excitation dominates. A finite element model is constructed for a sliding friction bearing in a seismically isolated bridge under vertical excitation with contact / friction elements. Effects of vertical excitation on the seismic performance of a seismically isolated bridge with sliding friction bearings and different bearing friction coefficients and different stiffness levels (pier diameter) are discussed using example excitation, and the effects of excitation direction for vertical excitation on the analysis results are explored. The analysis results shows that vertical excitation has a relatively large impact on seismic performance for a seismically isolated bridge with sliding friction bearings, which should be considered when designing a seismically isolated bridge with sliding friction bearings where vertical excitation dominates.