Review Utilisation of natural fibre as modifier in bituminous mixes: A review O.S. Abiola a,⇑ , W.K. Kupolati a , E.R. Sadiku b , J.M. Ndambuki a a Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa b Department of Chemical, Metallurgy and Material Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa highlights  Papers on natural fibres in asphalt concrete was reviewed.  Natural fibres can replace synthetic fibres.  Reinforcement with natural fibres improves the asphalt properties.  Natural fibres can improve resistance to pavement distress.  Research focus is on fibre content, length and effect of binder content on fibre parameter. article info Article history: Received 17 June 2013 Received in revised form 30 November 2013 Accepted 16 December 2013 Available online 19 January 2014 Keywords: Natural fibres Bituminous mixes Fatigue cracking Deformation Distresses abstract This paper provides a review on the utilisation of natural fibre as modifier in bituminous mixes. Increase in traffic loads in terms of number of axles and high tyre pressure from heavy vehicles resulted into traffic-related pavement distresses. Modification of asphalt binder is one of the approaches to improve pavement performance. Natural fibres have become a research focus for scientist and engineers. Types of natural fibres, their surface treatment and reinforcement of asphalt concrete with natural fibres are presented. Generally, the review demonstrated an improvement in fatigue life and structural resistance to distresses occurring in pavement when modified. Ó 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 306 2. Utilisation of fibres in bituminous mixes .................................................................................. 306 3. Natural fibres ........................................................................................................ 306 3.1. Surface modification of natural fibre ................................................................................ 308 4. Utilisation of natural fibres in bituminous mixes ........................................................................... 308 4.1. Jute fibre ...................................................................................................... 308 4.2. Coconut or coir fibres ............................................................................................ 309 4.3. Sisal fibres ..................................................................................................... 310 4.4. Hemp fibre ..................................................................................................... 310 5. Discussion ........................................................................................................... 310 6. Research works for the future ........................................................................................... 311 7. Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 311 References .......................................................................................................... 311 0950-0618/$ - see front matter Ó 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.12.037 ⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +27 844483004. E-mail address: abiolaos@tut.ac.za (O.S. Abiola). Construction and Building Materials 54 (2014) 305–312 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Construction and Building Materials journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/conbuildmat