Category: Infrastructure

The J-Band Blog

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...
Continue Reading

State Routes That Are ‘Built Different’ 

State Routes That Are ‘Built Different’ Reinforcing Roads Across Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio with VRAM
Reinforcing Roads Across Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio with VRAM  Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM)—known by the brand name, J-Band®—is transforming the way state agencies build and maintain roads. This innovative solution strengthens the most vulnerable part of asphalt pavements: the longitudinal joint. Applied before the hot mix lift, under the...
Continue Reading

Building Better Longitudinal Joints: How VRAM Enhances Notched-Wedge Paving

Paving a notched-wedge joint for traffic safety and reinforcing with VRAM
We all know how important and difficult it is to consistently achieve adequate density at longitudinal construction joints. These joints are typically the first place a pavement begins to crack or pothole, largely due to higher air voids compared to the rest of the mat. Forward-thinking agencies are increasingly turning...
Continue Reading

Montana Highway 200 Trench Mill and Fill: Slot Paving Made Durable with a VRAM

Trench mill and fill, now with VRAM sprayed before the slot paving
The Problem  Miles of existing roads are plagued with longitudinal joint distress, especially if they have milled rumble strips. Centerline joint distress often needs re-paving far sooner than the rest of the pavement. There is a need for a better longitudinal joint repair system.  The Current Practice for Repairing Centerline...
Continue Reading

How J-Band Revolutionizes Road Construction by Fixing Longitudinal Joint Failure

Truck drives down the road, spraying J-Band on the centerline
https://youtu.be/wpk66c6BCk8?si=oAjy6aaYDwx2Ix3Y For decades, road managers have tried to find a reliable fix for the consistent weakness in the center of every road. Over time, longitudinal construction joints are the first part of the pavement to crack and fail. Topical solutions have not been able to address the issue completely and...
Continue Reading

Sealing Joints Between Asphalt-Concrete Interfaces

VRAM is placed along the edge shoulder of a concrete lane so the asphalt-concrete interface can be sealed
Whenever asphalt pavement is laid along a concrete surface, such as a concrete lane, shoulder or curb, it is crucial to obtain a good bond. Bonding hot mix asphalt (HMA) to concrete is challenging as the HMA can pull away from the concrete creating an opening at the interface. These...
Continue Reading