Sodium gluconate can significantly delay the setting time of concrete. At dosages below 0.15%, the logarithm of the initial setting time is directly proportional to the dosage, i.e., when the dosage is doubled, the initial setting time is delayed by a factor of ten, which extends the working time from a few hours to several days without loss of strength. This is an important advantage especially on hot days and when long periods of time are required.

Water cement ratio (W/C) can be reduced by adding water reducing agent. By adding sodium gluconate, the following effects can be achieved:

1. Improve workability. When the water cement ratio (W/C) is constant, the addition of sodium gluconate can improve the workability. At this time, sodium gluconate is the role of plasticizer. When the amount of sodium gluconate is less than 0.1%, the degree of improved workability is proportional to the amount of sodium gluconate.

2. Increase intensity. When the cement content remains constant, the water content in concrete can be reduced (i.e., W/C decreases). When the amount of sodium gluconate is 0.1%, the amount of water can be reduced by 10%.

3, reduce the cement content. Water and cement contents decrease in the same proportion, while W/C ratio remains unchanged.