With the recent developments in industrial revolution and the ever-increasing demand of reinforced concrete in the construction, it is imperative to investigate the factors that influence the durability, safety and sustainability of concrete structures in coastal regions and aggressive Chloride induced environments. In this study, the influence of cover depth and mortar quality on rebar corrosion in aggressive marine environment was investigated.

The mortar was prepared for two different water-cement (W/C) ratios of 0.30 and 0.70, with Zero (0) kg/m³ and 15kg/m³ of chloride ion. The chloride ion was added by mixing                        sodium chloride (NaCl) solution to the mortar prepared by using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).A 10mm dia, deformed rebar was divided into six (06) equal segments of 25mm in length, intended for the measurement of microcell and microcell corrosion currents. Lead wires were soldered at both the ends of single segment. They were joined together with epoxy resin of high insulating capacity and strength to enable fabrication of 180mm long rebar having a minimum and maximum cover depth of 7.5mm and 20mm. The rebar was divided into small segments in order to investigate the influence on corrosion due to change in strength of mortar and cover depth.

The bottom half part of sample was casted first and the next half on the following day due the difference in water-cement ratio, cover depth and chloride ion content. The samples were then cured at very high Relative humidity (Rh) ≥ 90 % and at room temperature of around 20℃. The specimens were exposed to wet environment for 27 days and were tested on the 28th day. The Twenty-Four (24) specimens were each tested for Macrocell and Microcell current densities and the additional twelve (12) specimens were tested for Compressive strength and Mortar Resistivity.

The findings of this research study can prove to be a milestone for the researchers who intend to explore the impacts of cover depth and mortar quality on the mechanical performance of mortar subjected to aggressive chloride environment.