  A modelling framework for predicting carbonation-induced corrosion in
reinforced concrete is presented. The framework constituents include a new
model for water transport in cracked concrete, a link between corrosion current
density and water saturation, and a theory for characterising concrete
carbonation. The theoretical framework is numerically implemented using the
finite element method and model predictions are extensively benchmarked against
experimental data. The results show that the model is capable of accurately
predicting carbonation progress, as well as wetting and drying of cracked and
uncracked concrete, revealing a very good agreement with independent
experiments from a set of consistent parameters. In addition, insight is gained
into the evolution of carbonation penetration and corrosion current density
under periodic wetting and drying conditions. Among others, we find that cyclic
wetting periods significantly speed up the carbonation progress and that the
induced corrosion current density is very sensitive to concrete saturation.
