(a) Structural integrity and safety rating refers to a systematic method for evaluating and ranking the relative structural integrity and safety of a bridge or group of bridges against structural failure and/or collapse. A structural integrity and safety rating system shall, at a minimum, consider the following fundamental bridge vulnerability factors, where applicable:

1. (1) Condition: refers to the extent of deterioration and/or loss of ability to structurally function as was intended by its original or rehabilitated design or loss of structural safety.
2. (2) Load capacity: refers to the ability to safely carry live loads that may be imposed upon the bridge.
3. (3) Redundancy: refers to the bridge's ability to retain structural capacity, stability and servicability if one or more primary load carrying components or primary structural members were to structurally fail.
4. (4) Fracture susceptibility: a measure of the presence of details and/or behavioral characteristics that are prone to fracture.

5. (5) Hydraulic vulnerability: refers to the bridge's potential for failure due to its exposure to hydraulic forces, or due to erosion or scour of the foundation material.

   The rating system has the capability to rank the relative structural integrity of bridges, as well as identify bridges that have any significant vulnerability with regard to any one or a number of the above-noted vulnerability factors.