  We present a new mechanistic framework for corrosion-induced cracking in
reinforced concrete that resolves the underlying chemo-mechanical processes.
The framework combines, for the first time, (i) a model for reactive transport
and precipitation of dissolved Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in the concrete pore space,
(ii) a precipitation eigenstrain model for the pressure caused by the
accumulation of precipitates (rusts) under pore confinement conditions, (iii) a
phase-field model calibrated for the quasi-brittle fracture behaviour of
concrete, and (iv) a damage-dependent diffusivity tensor. Finite element model
predictions show good agreement with experimental data from impressed current
tests under natural-like corrosion current densities.
