Optimizing the Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulphonate on Workability and Strength Properties of Concrete

Concrete production has considerable environmental impacts and contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. Incorporating admixtures and supplementary materials offers promising approaches to developing more sustainable "green concrete." However, compatibility and long-term performance issues must be addressed. This study evaluates four Sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS)-based modifiers-VIVA, WAW, Klin, and Good-mama—to understand their effects on the tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths of concrete. Tests were conducted at different curing periods. Portland limestone cement concrete cubes and beams were cast with 0-4% dosages of each SDBS modifier by weight of cement. Compressive strength testing followed BS1881-108:1983 at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Flexural testing used BS EN 12390-5:2009. Tensile strength was calculated per ACI 318. All SDBS modifiers significantly reduced compressive strength relative to the control, in a dosage-dependent manner. Higher dosages led to more pronounced strength reductions, as low as 30-40% of control strengths. Similar inverse relationships were observed for flexural and tensile strengths. While SDBS modifiers may improve workability and durability, their incorporation substantially weakened concrete mechanically. Further study is required to address compatibility and long-term performance before practical construction applications.