The opening of cracks in RC (reinforced concrete) structures compromises their essential functions, such as their ability to support and protect against aggressive agents. Therefore, durability prescriptions related to the cracking process of the concrete parts can be found. The main objective of this article is to analyze the essential durability requirements for RC presented by fib Model Code 2010, EuroCode 2 and Brazilian Code NBR 6.118 Brazilian Association of Technical Standard (ABNT) including an analytical study of the recommended parameters. To this end, qualitative and quantitative analyses of the normative precepts were carried out with regard to: environmental aggressiveness, concrete strength, cover thickness and crack opening, in a double-supported beam. From the analyses carried out, it was possible to conclude that although the Brazilian standard, apparently, presents some parameters that are less restrictive than the international codes, such as the classification of environmental aggressiveness, its durability estimates are as rigorous as those of international codes that ensure durability.

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