Transcripción del resumen del autor. The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) process that occurs in metals is at present not a fully elucidated mechanism of deterioration. It is a surface process that implies a corrosion and stress synergy, but the most practical consequence is that SCC can modify the mechanical characteristics of the metal, causing brittle failure. The process generally involves a high level of uncertainty in the prediction. This research deals with steels used in prestressed concrete and is designed to determine why, in the early stages of the crack, this can stop or continue. That is, some cracks initiate and do not continue to grow, while others advance and cause failure. The electrochemical response has been studied as cracks initiate and grow, and the effects of mechanical parameters on crack propagation were evaluated. Crack growth was determined by measuring crack opening displacement and using the flexibility method to obtain crack depth.

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