1. Objective Carbonation of concrete is a process by which Carbon di Oxide from the air penetrates into the concrete and reacts with calcium hydro-oxide to form calcium carbonates. Conversion of Ca(OH) 2 into CaCO 3 by action of CO 2 by itself is not reactive. In the presence of moisture, CO 2 changes into dilute carbonic acid which attacks the reinforcement and also reduces alkalinity of concrete. In this test Phenolphthalein solution is used as indicator. 2. Application Carbonation of concrete is one of the main reasons for corrosion of reinforcement. Oxygen and moisture are the other components required for corrosion of embedded steel. In this test, the depth of carbonation is determined. The rate of carbonation depends on the grade of concrete, permeability of concrete, whether the concrete is protected or not, depth of cover, time, etc. Fig. 1 : Carbonation Test on Concrete 3. Procedure This test is most commonly carried out by spraying the indi...