Internal swelling reactions (ISR) can lead to the degradation of concrete due to expansion induced by such chemical reactions. ISR are common in massive concrete structures such as nuclear power plants that contain prestress reinforcement and are thus submitted to creep.

Recent research shows the importance of the effect of prestressing on the reduction of swelling due to the ISR, or even its absence for certain values of prestressing.

This Ph.D. work aims to carry out an experimental program under realistic conditions to study the coupling effect of ISR and creep. Original frames have been specifically designed for this study to induce biaxial compressive stress state.

Preliminary studies of the extensometer metrology are under analysis to optimize the strain measurement resulting from coupling ISR and creep under different mechanical and environmental conditions. Two original creep prototypes are recently available and will be soon checked before launching the tests campaign.