Written by Naarah Holloway
At Asphalt Materials, we understand that longitudinal joint deterioration has long been a problem for engineers, applicators, and the communities. Unlike other treatments, VRAM is a materials approach that significantly reduces air voids in longitudinal joints. J-Band® is Asphalt Materials’ VRAM product. J-Band® is a materials approach and is applied prior to paving under the longitudinal joint’s eventual location. As the hot mix asphalt (HMA) is installed on top of J-Band®, it migrates upward, fills the voids, and reduces permeability. Since 2002, this approach has improved the performance of centerline joints in more than 23 states and the District of Columbia (DC). nities we live in. Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) was developed to help create longer-lasting, safer roads through a collaboration between state transportation agencies, industry experts, and the laboratories at Heritage Research Group.
Unlike other treatments, VRAM is a materials approach that significantly reduces air voids in longitudinal joints. J-Band® is Asphalt Materials’ VRAM product. J-Band® is a materials approach and is applied prior to paving under the longitudinal joint’s eventual location. As the hot mix asphalt (HMA) is installed on top of J-Band®, it migrates upward, fills the voids, and reduces permeability. Since 2002, this approach has improved the performance of centerline joints in more than 23 states and the District of Columbia (DC).
Delaware County, Indiana: J-Band® Application
Project Details
- Owner: Delaware County
- Applicator: Illiana Construction Co.
- Prime Paving Contractor: Brooks
- Location: Black Cemetery Road
- State: Indiana
- County: Delaware County
- Date Constructed: June 2, 2023
VRAM Observation
The personnel that were present on this project include two Illiana personnel and Asphalt Material’s Field Support Engineer, Chad Crosby. The project took place over a 2.5-mile stretch of Black Cemetery Road. The VRAM application began at 6:00 am and was applied at the centerline joint. The ambient temperature recorded at start was 65°F. The binder surface temperature was 72° F and the material on board was 330° F. Within three minutes, the VRAM cooled to a temperature of 110°F.
Paving Observation
The paving followed shortly after the VRAM application in the same direction. The paving began at 7:00 am and the ambient temperature was 68° F. The mix temperature behind screed averaged around 285° F with ½’ migration noted before rolling. The lane width was narrow with haul trucks and paver trucks going on the VRAM band off and on. There were no signs of the VRAM picking up which causes no need for water.
NOTE: Once applied, VRAM is non-tracking in no more than 30 minutes after application. This means the roadways are ready for use. This allows for flexibility between the time that the VRAM has been applied and when the paving operation may begin.
Conclusion
Overall, the VRAM application project occurring on Black Cemetery Road was extremely successful. There were no signs of tracking or picking up and there wasn’t any water needed. The total gallons used for the day were 2,135 gallons (18,260 lbs) and VRAM was applied over 13,287 feet which averages to about 1.37 lb/ft.
You can explore our interactive map to see more projects that have utilized VRAM at the time of construction and learn more about how longer-lasting roads save money, time, lives here.
Editor’s Notes:
J-Band®, CCAP® and T-Bond® are registered trademarks of Asphalt Materials, Inc. AMIBIND™, AMIBOND™, AMICYCLE™, AMIGUARD™ and AMISEAL™ are trademarks of Asphalt Materials, Inc.
J-Band® was created in the labs of the Heritage Research Group (HRG) and is a product of Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI). To learn more about J-Band, visit www.thejointsolution.com
