Review of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Compressed Earth Blocks: Toward Enhanced Performance and Environmental Sustainability

Earthen construction is gaining popularity because low-carbon, locally produced, and sustainable building materials are needed. However, Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) still struggle with strength, water sensitivity, and durability particularly when assessed at the material scale or under insufficient stabilization and moisture-protection conditions. Due to their renewability, quantity, and ability to enhance mechanical and environmental performance, natural fibers are a viable reinforcement strategy. This work goes beyond a state-of-the-art synthesis to examine natural fiber-reinforced CEB studies quantitatively. A comprehensive literature review based-on PRISMA technique and statistical data analysis utilizing R programming associate fiber type, treatment methods, and earth composition with important performance factors. Chemical, physical, and thermal treatments are critically compared for fiber-matrix bonding, mechanical properties, and environmental trade-offs. It also compares fiber integration to cement and lime stabilizers in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), revealing their sustainability potential. Finally, this study addresses information gaps, including the lack of standardized methods, long-term durability studies under varied climates, and suggests further research and large-scale implementation. This study contributes to the development of performance-enhanced earthen building materials with potentially reduced embodied carbon, based on environmental assessment, quantitative synthesis, and critical evaluation.