Which of the following is a reason for a concrete tie to be considered ineffective?

The identification of a concrete tie as ineffective is often correlated with the observable condition of the prestressing material. When visible prestressing material is evident, it suggests that the tie may have experienced some level of distress or deterioration. This could indicate that the tie is no longer functioning as intended, which could compromise its structural integrity and performance in supporting the loads it is meant to bear.

In contrast, factors such as being well-preserved without damage, being perfectly level and aligned, or having new fasteners typically signify that a tie is in good condition and functioning effectively. Therefore, the presence of visible prestressing material serves as a critical indicator of potential failure, marking the tie as ineffective in its role.