This paper investigates the reinforcement mechanism of bitumen mixed with fibers. Fibers including cellulose, rock wool and polyester types were added to bitumen. The viscosity, toughness and tenacity, microscopy and rheological tests were conducted to characterize the engineering properties of bitumen-fiber mastics. Test results indicate that the reinforcing effect increases with increasing fibers up to a critical fraction. With higher mixing temperatures, there is a higher viscosity ratio of mastic to bitumen. The tensile strength of bitumen-fiber mastics also increases with increasing fiber concentrations because the fibers carry parts of tensile loads. With the increasing tensile strength, it is implied that there is a good adhesion between bitumen and fibers. Scanning electron micrographs show that fibers reinforce bitumen through a three dimensional structure. However, there is a critical fiber fraction when fibers start to interact with each other, resulting in lower toughness. The optimum fiber content is dependent on fiber type, length and diameter. (C) 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.