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Abstract. This research investigates changes in the nanostructure and the nanoscale local mechanical properties of cement paste with micro-and nano-modifiers. Silica fume and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as micro-and nano-modifiers. An effective method of dispersing CNTs in cement matrix was developed. A detailed study on the effects of CNTs concentration and aspect ratio on the fracture properties, nanoscale properties and microstructure of nanocomposite materials, was conducted. Significant improvements on the macro and nanomechanical properties of cement paste were observed with the incorporation of CNTs. Results suggest that CNTs can strongly modify and reinforce the cement paste matrix at the nanoscale.