Couplings between the Mechanical and Physicochemical Behavior of Concrete: An Example of Basic Creep

This paper illustrates the need to consider the coupling between physical and chemical phenomena and the mechanical behavior of concrete for durability considerations. The basic creep of concrete is an example of a phenomenon that can affect the service life of concrete structures. It is coupled with physicochemical phenomena such as cement hydration, temperature, mechanical damage, and leaching. It is very important to consider these couplings to limit early-age cracking and correctly assess the long-term behavior of concrete structures such as dams, bridges, or nuclear power plants.