Written by Naarah Holloway
By applying a Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) at the time of construction to longitudinal joints, local and state Department of Transportations (DOTs) can ensure their roads are less vulnerable to elements, such as water and air. VRAM fills pavement voids in the longitudinal joints from the bottom up and helps create stronger, safer, and more sustainable roads. Over the past 20 years, observations have shown that pavements utilizing VRAM last three to five years longer than those not constructed with VRAM.
Note: In Illinois VRAM is referred to as a Longitudinal Joint Sealant (LJS).
Project Details
- Owner: Jersey County
- Prime Paving Contractor: Mahoney
- Applicator: Illiana Construction Co.
- Location: Jersey County, Illinois
- Date Constructed: June 5-6, 2023
VRAM Observation
The VRAM application took place at 8:30 a.m. and about 4.7 miles of Otterville Road were paved. This is a two-lane highway from Jersey Street to Grafton Lane. The VRAM was applied on the centerline joint location and on both shoulders under the intended area for rumble strips.
The existing surface was a clean and dry level binder surface. The ambient temperature was 66°F with the existing surface at 79°F, while the material on board was 325°F. The band width on this project was targeted at 18” wide with a rate of 0.88 lb./ft. A total of 7,395 gallons were applied onto Otterville Road.
Personnel present included Illiana Construction Co. members, Mahoney personnel, as well as Candice Kohn, Jim Cunningham and Tim Zahrn from Asphalt Materials Inc (AMI).
Paving Observation
Paving began around 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning with an ambient temperature of 63°F. The mix temperature behind the screed average 285°F with ½” migration noted before rolling. The four rollers used were vibratory passes and the rollers worked in unison across the mat.
Conclusion
Overall, the application of J-Band® was successful. J-Band®, AMI’s VRAM product, has played a vital role in reducing air voids within longitudinal joints across 25 states, and the District of Columbia (DC), since 2002.
For a closer look at projects that have incorporated VRAM during construction and to discover the benefits of longer-lasting roads in terms of cost savings, time efficiency, and safety, you can explore our interactive map 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
