English 
Spanish 
2 min read
0 comments
Adding sugar to concrete may seem strange at first glance, but this technique is used in some specific situations. Sugar acts as a water reducing agent, controlling the amount of water in the mix and reducing the porosity of the concrete. This can make it more resistant to damage from freezing and thawing, especially in cold climates.
The main advantage of adding sugar to concrete is to delay setting time, which is useful in hot climates where high temperature can speed up the drying process. In cold climates, reducing concrete porosity helps prevent structural damage caused by freezing and thawing water.
In hot climates, sugar helps control temperature during the hydration process, preventing overheating and possible cracking. This temperature control is crucial to guarantee the durability and resistance of the concrete.
A study published in Science Direct analyzed the effect of sugar dosage on the curing time, microstructure and strength of Portland cements
The study showed that the addition of sugar up to 0,05% can delay the curing time of concrete, but additions greater than 0,1% can reduce the initial and final strength of the concrete.
- Construction of the WORLD'S TALLER TOWER is progressing rapidly: A giant towering over 1 km that redefines the skyline of Saudi Arabia
- Nuclear fusion has found the miracle it needed on the road to commercial power plants
- The house that STOPPED construction: Owner refuses offers and forces highway to be built around it
- World's tallest bridge: Gigantic engineering feat TWICE as tall as the Eiffel Tower to open in 2025
Despite some advantages, the use of sugar in concrete must be done with caution. Adding more than 0,05% sugar can reduce the final strength of the project, making it less durable and more susceptible to damage.
To delay setting time safely and effectively, it is best to use specific setting delay additives available on the construction market.
Adding sugar to concrete can be a useful technique in certain circumstances, but it must be done carefully to avoid resistance and durability problems.
Instead of using sugar, considering specialized additives is a safer and more effective alternative to ensuring the quality of concrete. If you use sugar, make sure it doesn't exceed 0,05% of the total mixture.
