When roads last longer, infrastructure dollars go further. Successful application of a void reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM), like Asphalt Material, Inc.’s J-Band®, not only extends the life of your pavement; it extends your budget.
VRAM works by filling challenging air voids in the centerline joint from the bottom up. When applied at the time of paving, this approach prevents road deterioration from the elements before it begins.
Note: VRAM is referred to as a longitudinal joint sealant (LJS) in Illinois.
Project Details
- Owner: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- Prime Paving Contractor: Howell Asphalt
- Applicator: Evergreen Roadworks™
- Location: US-50, Clay-Richland County, Illinois
- Date Constructed: June 6, 2024
VRAM Application
This project took place on US-50 from 2.5 miles east of US-45 to 1.6 miles east of the Richland County line, totaling 7.5 miles. On June 6, from 6:25 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., VRAM (LJS) was applied on the centerline joint headed east on top of a new binder course with a surface temperature of 69° F. The material on board was 315° F.
The target band width was 18” wide with a rate of 1.47 lb/ft on the centerline. The band ranged from 18” to 19.5” throughout the project. Sand was placed on the exposed band at the end of the day. A total of 6,870 gallons were applied over 41,489 feet.
Personell that were present on the job site were members of Evergreen Roadworks, Garrett Hixenbaugh from IDOT and Cody Egan from Asphalt Materials Inc.
Paving Observations
Paving began on June 7 at 7:45 a.m. on US-50 with an existing surface temperature of 80F. Mix temperature and migration rate were recorded throughout the morning with a consistent 315° F and a migration rate of ¾”.
The equipment used was a Roadtec SB-2500e shuttle buggy, CAT AP1055F rubber track paver, (2) Volvo DD120C steel drum rollers, Hamm GRW 280i rubber tire roller and a Hamm HD 110i steel drum roller.
The rolling pattern had two breakdown rollers working in tandem in vibratory mode making 7 passes. The rubber tire intermediate roller made 9 passes, staying off the band. The finish roller worked the mat from high to low in a 3-1-3 pattern.
Together, Evergreen Roadworks, IDOT and Howell Asphalt succeeded in equipping US-50 with VRAM. This application can help US-50 last up to five years longer and delivers a three to five times return on investment.
For a closer look at projects that incorporate a VRAM during construction and to discover the benefits of longer-lasting safer roads in terms of cost savings, time efficiency, and safety, 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.
