The setting time of concrete depends upon following factors, such as
- Water-cement ratio
- Temperature condition
- Type of cement used
- Use of mineral admixture
- Use of chemical admixture (such as plasticizer)
Other factors which may affect the setting time of concrete includes
- Absorption of mixing water by aggregates
- Grinding of aggregates in the mixer
Of all the factors discussed above, the rate at which the concrete stiffens is greatly affected by temperature i.e. stiffening is unduly delayed at low temperature while it is accelerated in high temperature.