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• The application of graphene oxide (GO) as surface protection of concrete was investigated. • GO coating on the concrete surface can reduce water absorption and capillary absorption of concrete. • GO coating on the surface of concrete reduced the chloride ion penetration of concrete by about 25%. • GO coating had no tangible effect on water vapor permeability of concrete. Utilizing surface protection materials with high barrier properties and hydrophobicity is a method for concrete protection to extend its lifetime. This paper aims to investigate whether graphene oxide (GO) can be applied as surface protection of concrete to prevent the transmission of water and ingress of chloride ions. The best method for applying GO and the effectiveness of the amount of GO on its performance to reduce the permeability of concrete surface were evaluated as well. Results indicated that at best GO coating on the concrete surface can reduce water absorption and capillary absorption of concrete by about 40 and 57%, respectively. The increase in the GO content leads to more reduction of water absorption and capillary absorption of concrete. GO can be applied to the surface of the existing and casting concrete structures through spraying and submerging methods, respectively. It was demonstrated that at best GO coating reduces the chloride ion penetration of concrete by about 25% while it has no tangible effect on water vapor permeability of concrete. The results of this research could open a window for developing a new generation of concrete surface protection material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]