VRAM 2021. An Update of Past Projects.
The year 2021 was another important year for VRAM, as we added several states to the list of those with VRAM experience. It is now 21 states and The District of Columbia.
The year 2021 was also important from the perspective of how well roads constructed with VRAM continue to perform. Since 2002 VRAM treated roads continue to be longer-lasting, safer and more economical that roads that are not utilizing VRAM at the time of construction.
Over the coming weeks, we will review a number of different case studies of VRAM treated roads across our network.
Owner: ODOT
Applicator: SCI
Prime: Gerken
Project Location: US-6; McClure OH in Henry Co.
Date Constructed: 9-28-2017
Date Reviewed: 11-16-2021
Weather Conditions Day of Review: Cloudy and Cool
Pavement Control Section
The control section begins at mile 17.81 and ends at mile 22.93. This section has experienced 100% cracking with cracks measuring near 1/2” in width. It has been crack sealed.
Has the project received any maintenance work including crack sealing or patching? The control section has been sealed. The next two pictures show the condition of the control section as of November 16, 2021. Recall this project was constructed in mid-November 2017.
VRAM Test Section: The VRAM test section is the section of road that did use VRAM at the time of construction. The VRAM treatment section starts at mile 22.93 and continues to mile 27.82.
Recall this project was constructed in mid-November 2017 and these pictures are from November 16, 2021.
VRAM is an investment in protecting roads at time of construction.
At Asphalt Materials, we understand that longitudinal joint deterioration has long been a problem for engineers, applicators and the communities we live in. Collaboration between state transportation agencies, industry experts, and the laboratories at Heritage Research Group, VRAM was developed to help create longer-lasting, safer roads.
Unlike other treatments, VRAM significantly reduces air voids in longitudinal joints. J-Band® is Asphalt Materials’ VRAM, a Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane. J-Band is a materials approach, applied prior to paving under the eventual location of the longitudinal joint. It migrates upward, fills voids and reduces permeability as the hot mix is installed on top of it. Since 2002, this approach has improved the performance of centerline joints and entire pavements in more than 21 states.
J-Band® is a product of Asphalt Materials, Inc. and created in the labs of Heritage Research Group. To learn more about J-Band or to connect with one of our team members, you can email us at Marketing@Asphalt-Materials.com.
