The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) process is at present a not fully elucidated mechanism of deterioration. It is a surface process that implies a corrosion and stress synergy, but the most practical consequence is that stress corrosion cracking can modify the mechanical characteristics of the metal causing brittle failure. Previously, we present some results about stress corrosion cracking, crack propagation rate or, even, crack arrest conditions in High Strength Steels. This kind of steels is usually used in prestressed and postensioned structures. These wires are of eutectoid composition and cold drawn. It is well established that failures occur when the wires are in contact with electrolytes of specific compositions while under stress. In the case of concrete, the electrolyte is its pore solution and the stress levels result from the different loads applied due to structural requirements. In this work we suggest some improvements of the Mechanism of SCC based in the Surface Mobility of vacancies on the crack surface proposed by Galvele. Improvements consist in incorporating the electrochemical corrosion as one of the sources for the creation of vacancies and some mechanical effects, both produce synergic effect in the crack propagation rate and they are important for a more comprehensive explanation of the process.

Resumen del trabajo presentado en XIX Congreso de la Sociedad Iberoamericana de Electroquímica y XXXXI Reunión del Grupo de Electroquímica de la Real Academia Española de Química, celebrados en Alcalá de Henares (España) del 27 de junio al 2 de julio de 2010