The evaluation of blends tincal waste (TW), fly ash (FA), bentonite (BE), volcanic tuff (VT) for use as a cement admixture was investigated. The properties examined include setting time, expansion, water requirement, specific surface and compressive strength of cement mixtures. The results revealed that the early compressive strength decrease with increasing tincal waste, due to tincal waste increasing initial setting time of the cement. The tincal waste and volcanic tuff of cement mixtures increased and there was reduction in compressive strength. The more the tincal waste increased the greater retardation there was initial setting time this may be attributed to containing high amount B2O3 and MgO content. The tincal waste and fly ash increased with expansion increased. Water requirement increased as the Blaine fineness of the cement mixtures increased. The results obtained were compared with standards and five batches were advised as suitable for the standard. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.