1. Steel-concrete association – Definition

Reinforced concrete is made up of concrete and steel reinforcement, carefully placed. Its normal operation requires fine cracking in the tensioned zones, which does not affect its durability if the crack opening remains less than 0.10 mm in an aggressive environment, and less than 0.30 mm in a non-aggressive environment. Such openings prevent any corrosion of the steel reinforcement, as the concrete prevents water from penetrating the steels and constitutes a basic medium that protects the steels through passivation.