Proper detailing of precast/prestressed concrete girders

In Alberta, Canada, detailing issues have been voiced by the Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation (AIT) department, which is the owner of most bridges currently under design or construction. The AIT requires design professionals to justify the precast, prestressed concrete member detailing choices made for each project. Because virtually every team of design professionals has its own preferred details and has various accompanying justifications for their use, there is some uncertainty in the precast construction industry as to which are "industry preferred" construction details. In the following questions and answers, Dr. Maher Tadros, based upon his experience with detailing of the NU (Nebraska University) I-girders that were adopted by AIT several years ago, offers some suggestions.