Laboratory Experiments on the Investigation of the Effects of Sulphuric Acid on the Deterioration of Carbonate Stones and Surface Corrosion

In this study, the effect of sulphuric acid, the major constituent of acid rain, on carbonate stones has been investigated. For this purpose, samples from historical buildings of Sivas city have been collected. The minerological composition of the samples has been analysed by X-RD analysis and it was found that the major constituent of these stones was calcite. Loss of material and surface corrosion have been determined for these samples by washing the samples with sulphuric acid to similate the effect of acid rain. Material losses of the samples was 1–4% in the case of sulphuric acid washing. After 24 hr corrosion exposure the crystal boundaries were corroded, the pores were deepened and widened. The results have indicated the impact of the polluted atmospheric and high relative rain on historical buildings in the city.