Internal swelling reactions (ISR) in concrete can have significant impact on the long-term behaviour of massive concrete structures. This communication presents the foundations of a constitutive model developed within the framework of the finite-element method. In order to reach, in further step, a correct quantification of the visible crack patterns, we first develop a set of evolutive constitutive equations based on Larive's law and taking into account the main couplings that affect ISR in structures: chemical extent, available moisture, past and present temperature, and creep. First, the aim of this modelling framework is presented by setting the set of constitutive equations and identifying material parameters on the base of observable data. Then we describe the evolution equation governing the chemical expansion. The third part focuses on coupling with various phenomena. Finally, we propose perspectives about material damage and cracking in concrete.