Abstract: This research has included long-term exposure tests to synthetic acid rain to determine whether or not this kind of precipitation hastens the deterioration of reinforced concrete. The specimen of M20 grade concrete was evaluated after 28 days of curing. Tests were conducted using concrete specimens with dimensions of 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm, as well as a cylinder with a 100 mm diameter and a 200 mm depth, into which a 12 mm dia bar was inserted. After being immersed for the required time, individuals were put through a battery of chemical and physical analyses. At last, the samples were exposed to acid rain for 120, 100, and 80 hours respectively. The acid rain is made from purified water. The results of the PH paper tests show a significant linear relationship between the eroded depth of the specimen and the amount of time it was exposed to a simulated acid rain with a PH of 5. In addition, it was found that the length of time the specimens were immersed in synthetic acid affected their flexural strength (120, 100, or 80 hours, respectively). The level of carbonation may be determined using a phenolphthalein indicator and a synthetic acid rain dipping process.

Keywords: deterioration, synthetic acid rain, exposure test, reinforced concrete, carbonation depth

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2022.9824