Which condition rating reflects major defects with strength affected?

The condition rating that reflects major defects with strength affected is rated as serious condition, which indicates significant concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge. In this context, a serious condition implies that while the bridge may still be functional, it has defects that could compromise its safety and load-carrying capacity. This type of rating serves as an alert for inspectors and engineers, signaling that immediate attention, repairs, or further evaluation may be necessary to prevent worsening of the condition and to ensure public safety.

A rating of serious condition indicates that major defects are present and that these defects may be affecting the bridge's ability to support loads safely. Therefore, a structure with a serious condition rating should be closely monitored and potentially prioritized for rehabilitation or repair before the situation worsens.

In contrast, other ratings such as critical condition, poor condition, and fair condition do not convey the same level of immediate concern regarding safety and structural integrity as serious condition does, making it the appropriate choice for reflecting major defects that affect the strength of a bridge.