Sugar delays the setting time of cement by up to 1.33 hours at dosage level of 0.06% by weight of cement. No effect on workability, compaction by the use of sugar as admixture in concrete. Higher long-term compressive strength can be achieved in concrete by the use of sugar as admixture.

Does sugar stop concrete from hardening?

The sugar slows down the setting of the concrete, and is used in hot conditions or when large amounts of concrete must be poured out before setting occurs. Very small amounts of sugar delays the hardening of concrete without influencing its strength or other properties once finally set.

How much sugar does it take to stop concrete from setting?

The amount of sugar that should be used to keep concrete from fully hardening ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 percent by weight of cement. It is important to note, however, that the effect of sugar is not to keep the concrete permanently plastic, but to keep its strength at a low enough level so that it can be easily broken up.