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This report presents the results of a literature review on the topic of fibre reinforcement in cemented pavement base materials. While this specific topic has not been widely researched an abundance of literature exists on the topic of fibre-reinforced concrete. The researchers have used the qualitative similarity between fibre-reinforced cemented base materials and fibre-reinforced concrete to investigate the potential viability of using fibres to improve the mechanical performance of cemented base materials.

Using fibres has great potential in cemented pavement base materials. Reinforcing fibres generally increase the ultimate tensile and flexural strengths, toughness and residual strength of cemented materials. In the realm of pavement base performance, reinforcing fibres may limit the extent of both drying shrinkage and fatigue cracking so that any cracks forming in the cemented matrix do not represent significant structural defects. Reinforcing fibres have been produced using a large number of synthetic and natural materials. The most commonly used fibre materials include steel, polypropolene, cellulose, and glass. Recycled waste products have also been used as they offer benefits in terms of both cost and environmental issues.

Keywords: basecourse, cracking, fibres, fibre reinforcement, New Zealand, pavement, reinforcing, roads, stabilisation, testing