What does a - sign signify in the context of construction quality?

In the context of construction quality, a negative sign (-) typically indicates lower quality for construction items. This notation serves as a signal that the item in question does not meet the expected standards or may have deficiencies in its construction or materials. Understanding this is critical because construction quality directly impacts safety, durability, and structural integrity.

For instance, if a material or component is marked with a negative sign, it may suggest potential issues such as poor performance under stress, shorter lifespan, or inability to comply with certain safety regulations. This is significant for architects, engineers, and construction professionals as they must ensure that all materials and components fulfill the necessary criteria to maintain quality standards and safeguard the overall integrity of the structure being built.

In contrast, the other options mention positive aspects of construction quality—structural integrity, compliance with safety standards, and higher durability—which all reflect acceptable or desirable characteristics, but they do not pertain to what a negative sign specifically denotes.