Corrosion performance of coated reinforcing bars embedded in concrete and exposed to natural marine environment

Corrosion behavior of mild steel plain bar embedded in concrete with 28 days compressive strength of 40 N/mm2 exposed to natural marine environment at a location in the Gulf of Mannar was studied. This paper reports the results of 1-year study conducted on the reinforced concrete specimens exposed to three different levels. The performance of three different types of corrosion protection by specialty coatings to rebars, namely cement polymer composite, interpenetrating polymer network coating and epoxy coating was also evaluated periodically by measuring open circuit potential measurements and the results are discussed. Biofouling was predominant on completion of 3 months immersion.