This review investigates the physical and chemical attack of reinforced concrete structures in nuclear power plants (NPPs) throughout their service life. It also examines precautions that can be taken against the deterioration caused by these types of attacks. The data from the studies reviewed indicate that mineral additions to the cement, such as silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and metakaolin, can increase the performance of concrete for use in NPP components due to filler effects, nucleation effects, and pozzolanic activity. Based on the data available, it can be inferred that barite aggregate can be used to improve performance in NPP components that may be exposed to radiation, fly ash can be added to decrease hydration temperatures, and low C(3)A content cement and low water-to-cement ratios can be used to increase resistance to sulphate attack. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.