Code descriptions

Code

N: NOT APPLICABLE
9: EXCELLENT CONDITION
8: VERY GOOD CONDITION - no problems noted
7: GOOD CONDITION - some minor problems.
6: SATISFACTORY CONDITION - structural elements show some minor deterioration.
5: FAIR CONDITION - all primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
4: POOR CONDITION - advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
3: SERIOUS CONDITION - loss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components. Local failures are possible. Fatigue cracks in steel or shear cracks in concrete may be present.
2: CRITICAL CONDITION - advanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Fatigue cracks in steel or shear cracks in concrete may be present or scour may have removed substructure support. Unless closely monitored it may be necessary to close the bridge until corrective action is taken.
1: IMMINENT FAILURE CONDITION - major deterioration or section loss present in critical structural components or obvious vertical or horizontal movement affecting structure stability. Bridge is closed to traffic but corrective action may put back in light service.
0: FAILED CONDITION - out of service - beyond corrective action.

Definitions

Deck: The driving (or walking) surface.
Superstructure: The bridge itself. This includes the deck, curbing, railings, girders and other features of the object that bridges the span.
Substructure: The support system that holds the superstructure. This includes verticle support structures such as pilings, towers and abutmants.

* This information is current as of February 2007