Author: Olivia Kortepeter

The J-Band Blog

In Case Studies , Great Asphalt Moments , Sustainability

City of Mesa Earns Statewide Recognition for Innovative Road Reconstruction

Southern Avenue in Mesa AZ, First VRAM project
The City of Mesa has taken a bold step toward reimagining roadway reconstruction in Arizona. Their recent work on Southern Avenue, between Gilbert and Vel Vista Drive, earned the 2025 Best in Arizona, Local City Agency Award in Sustainability and Innovative Reconstruction—a testament to Mesa’s commitment to forward-thinking infrastructure solutions.  A...
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January 5, 2026 by Olivia Kortepeter
In Great Asphalt Moments , Industry News , Project Reviews

J‑Band VRAM Innovation is Setting Records in 2025

VRAM applied in bands to a ramp
From idea to impact: VRAM is redefining best practices in joint construction.  VRAM is protecting roads across North America  Thousands of lane miles across 29 states now incorporate Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM), demonstrating its widespread use in asphalt pavement construction. Across the country, agencies have adopted VRAM to address the Achilles’ heel of asphalt pavement: the longitudinal joint. This innovation story is well...
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December 10, 2025 by Olivia Kortepeter
In Research and Studies

Understanding Joint Behavior With & Without VRAM

Understanding Joint Behavior With & Without VRAM
As pavement technologies evolve, so do the best practices for road performance evaluation and maintenance. One such innovation, J-Band® void-reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM), protects vulnerable longitudinal joints from the damaging effects of air voids and water intrusion. This leading-edge material is being used by state and local agencies to extend...
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November 21, 2025 by Olivia Kortepeter
In Case Studies , Infrastructure , Project Reviews

ODOT’s Smart Investment for Long-Lasting Roadways

SR-53 is a four-lane, divided North South highway connecting Fremont to the Ohio Turnpike. For high-volume routes like this, VRAM-reinforced joints are smart insurance to reduce and delay future maintenance.
Ohio’s Department of Transportation (ODOT) is incorporating an innovative asphalt technology into many of its largest road construction projects this year: Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM), also known as J-Band®. This proven material is designed to protect the most vulnerable part of any asphalt pavement—the longitudinal joint—ensuring longer-lasting, safer roads...
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November 11, 2025 by Olivia Kortepeter
In Case Studies , Specialty Products

Strengthening Asphalt-Concrete Curbs with VRAM 

agencies are turning to Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) to reinforce these vulnerable concrete asphalt interfaces
Getting a good bond between hot mix asphalt (HMA) and concrete curbs is challenging but critical for long-lasting pavement. To combat this issue, many agencies are turning to Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) to reinforce these vulnerable edges.  J-Band® VRAM does more than just seal the asphalt to the concrete...
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November 6, 2025 by Olivia Kortepeter
In Infrastructure , Research and Studies , Safety

Nuclear Density Gauge Testing on VRAM Joints

This article explores why nuclear density gauge testing may not be accurate or necessary when J-Band® Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) is applied beneath longitudinal joints.
This article explores why nuclear density gauge testing may not be accurate or necessary when J-Band® Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) is applied beneath longitudinal joints.  Why Measure Density?  Density is measured during asphalt pavement construction because it is a strong indicator of pavement performance, even though other measurements also...
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October 31, 2025 by Olivia Kortepeter