Recent developments on natural fiber concrete: A review of properties, sustainability, applications, barriers, and opportunities

To reduce the carbon footprint of traditional concrete materials, natural fiber concrete is vital. This study systematically analyzed 196 peer-reviewed papers using the literature review method to understand fresh properties, mechanical properties, durability, thermal conductivity, sound absorption properties, sustainability, applications, barriers, and opportunities for natural fiber concrete. The findings indicate that natural fiber reduces the concrete cracking rate, increasing tensile strength. Although fibers enhance stress distribution within the concrete, increasing its stability, they reduce compressive strength. Additionally, 85.7% of natural fiber concretes exhibit considerable environmental benefits; however, 28.6% and 43% of the reviewed studies indicate effective economic and social sustainability, respectively. Moreover, this review demonstrates the following potential utilization: 60% in road pavements and 30% in residential buildings. However, natural fiber concrete is still predominantly utilized in the laboratory stage. The following perspective is noteworthy: this review summarizes the barriers that impede natural fiber concrete application and develops relevant recommendations.