In this paper a novel concept to design cement matrix composites that exhibit high damping capacity as well as good mechanical performance around room temperature was suggested. The hard Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 ceramic particulates with high damping capacity at room temperature were embedded as additives into cement matrix to form the composite materials. The damping capacity (internal friction) and compressive strength of the Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 /cement composites increase with increasing Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 concentration in the range of 0–25wt%. The maximum damping capacity as high as 0.015 was obtained in a 25wt%Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 /cement composite at 46°C and 1Hz. The compressive and flexural strength of the 10wt%Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 /cement composites is about 40% and 5% higher than those of the pure cement, respectively.