A 1-3 piezoelectric ceramic-cement composite has been fabricated using sulphoaluminate cement and lead niobium-magnesium zirconate titanate ceramics (P(MN)ZT) as matrix and functional component, respectively. The influences of piezoelectric ceramic volume fraction, aspect ratios of piezoelectric ceramic rods and temperature on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the composites were studied. This composite was shown to exhibit an improved electromechanical coupling coefficient with the mechanical quality factor reduced. Furthermore, the acoustic impedance of the composites could also be adjusted to match concrete structures. It has been demonstrated that by adjusting the piezoelectric ceramic volume fraction and shape parameters, the developed composite can be eventually used as sensing element in structural health monitoring. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.