Project Summary
The longitudinal joints in pavements are often the weakest points of a road but applying a Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) at the time of construction fills the pavement voids, making the joint less vulnerable to the elements by reducing permeability. This ultimately leads to stronger, safer, and more sustainable roads and reduces the need for ongoing road maintenance.
Because VRAM delivers long-term economic, social, and environmental impact to road construction projects, it is important that we continue to monitor the impact of VRAM on each project. We work with local and state DOTs to ensure each project undergoes an annual review, including this project on Summit Street in Toledo, Ohio.
2023 Project Review
- Owner: City of Toledo
- Applicator: Road Fabrics, Inc. (RFI)
- Location: Lucas County, Point Place, OH
- Date Constructed: 10-18-2021
- Date Reviewed: 2-7-2023
- Weather Conditions Day of Review: Sunny and 50°F
2023 Project Observations
Asphalt Materials Field Support Engineer Chad Crosby reviewed the Summit Street project in Lucas County, Ohio, a two-lane road with a center turn lane throughout the length of the road.
Pictured below are various sections of both the north and southbound lanes of Summit Street between 101st Street North to 130th Street. The images show no cracking throughout the road where VRAM was applied after approximately 16 months after initial construction.
Conclusion
The applied VRAM performed as expected after one year. There are no blemishes, cracks, or separations occurring at the centerline joint.
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, and lives here.
Asphalt Materials, Inc.
At Asphalt Materials, we understand that longitudinal joint deterioration has long been a problem for engineers, applicators, and the communities we live in. 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 as a materials approach, is applied prior to paving under the eventual location of the longitudinal joint. As the hot mix asphalt (HMA) is installed on top of J-Band, it migrates upward, fills voids, and reduces permeability. Since 2002, this approach has improved the performance of centerline joints and entire pavements in more than 22 states.
J-Band® is a product of Asphalt Materials, Inc. and was created in the labs of Heritage Research Group. To learn more about J-Band, or to connect with our team, you can email us at: Marketing@Asphalt-Materials.com.
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.
