Concrete is a widely used material in construction projects globally, valued for its durability and strength. Comprised of cement, sand, aggregate, and water, the addition of admixtures further enhances its properties. Cement plays a pivotal role in the hardening of concrete through a chemical process known as hydration, which occurs upon mixing with water. To tailor the setting process according to specific project requirements or environmental conditions, chemical admixtures such as retarders or accelerators are incorporated. These additives are instrumental in extending or shortening the initial setting time of cement, ensuring optimal performance. While chemical admixtures are commonly employed to improve concrete characteristics in modern construction practices, they have environmental and health implications. The study examined the effect of sugarcane juice as an organic admixture on cement’s initial setting time. By analyzing sugarcane juice proportions ranging from 0% to 28% of the cement’s weight. The initial setting times were precisely measured with the Vicat apparatus. All results were benchmarked. The percentages included are 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 28%. All results were compared to a 0% sugarcane juice baseline. The cement’s initial setting time notably decreased from 140 to 75 minutes with 5% sugarcane juice added. Progressive additions of 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% sugarcane juice steadily reduced the initial setting time. At 28% with only sugarcane juice as the admixture, the initial setting time decreased significantly to 23 minutes. The research indicated that higher proportions of sugarcane juice speed up hydration, significantly reducing the cement’s initial setting time.
