Crack Resistance Analysis of Buton Asphalt Wearing Course: Modification with Eco Biopolymer Carrageenan Using Three Point Bending Test

Road damage generally begins with the emergence of small cracks that, if not promptly addressed, lead to more severe damage and reduced road capacity. To mitigate this issue, enhancing the performance of asphalt pavements is crucial. One promising approach is the incorporation of natural polymers into asphalt mixtures. This study investigates the potential of eco biopolymer carrageenan, derived from Eucheuma spinosum seaweed, as an additive to improve the mechanical properties of Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course. The high cellulose content in Eucheuma spinosum is hypothesized to enhance the flexural strength and cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures. The study begins with determining the Optimum Asphalt Content and Optimum Carrageenan Content through Marshall testing, which yielded values of 6.5% and 8.5%, respectively. Subsequently, test specimens were prepared for the Three-Point Bending test to assess the flexural strength. The results reveal that the maximum bending stress values for control specimens ranged from 683.25 N to 944.79 N. In contrast, specimens with the addition of 8.5% carrageenan exhibited significantly improved bending stress values, ranging from 1000.28 N to 1149.10 N. The addition of carrageenan enhanced the asphalt mixture's flexibility and resistance to cracking under maximum loading conditions. The findings indicate that carrageenan serves as an effective natural polymer modifier, improving the mechanical performance and durability of asphalt mixtures. This research highlights the potential of carrageenan as an eco-friendly and sustainable material for advancing asphalt pavement technologies, offering both enhanced quality and environmental benefits.