Archives

The J-Band Blog

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

ODOT’s US-6 Displays the Power of VRAM to Seal Longitudinal Joints

Void reducing asphalt membrane centerline joint of a road
Crack sealing is an important practice for agencies to prevent further damage to already emerging cracks in a pavement structure. The longitudinal construction joint is commonly crack-sealed, because it is one of the most vulnerable spots in a road.   Despite crack sealing, the longitudinal joint is often the first location...
Continue Reading

Paving Indiana’s Future: VRAM Joins the State Spec

INDOT Adopt VRAM
As of April 16, 2025, INDOT has released a state design memo specifying the use of Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) for Asphalt Paving in projects with category 2, 3 and 4 surface mixes.  Design Memo No. 25-10: Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) for Asphalt Paving  To: All Design Personnel...
Continue Reading

Preserving Rumble Strips: Real-World Reviews of VRAM for Rumble Strip Longevity

J-Band
Rumble strips play a critical role in keeping drivers alert and roadways safe. However, they are typically constructed over or near longitudinal joints, the part of the pavement that is already vulnerable to water intrusion and early deterioration. To reinforce rumble strips, their pavement foundation—the longitudinal joint area—needs to be...
Continue Reading

Northern Ohio State Route 168 Exceeds Expectations with VRAM

Large gap above the centerline joint
The most vulnerable part of any new asphalt pavement is typically the longitudinal construction joint. Achieving adequate density at the intersection of pavement lanes is notoriously more difficult than elsewhere on the mat. Lower density translates to more air voids, allowing water and air intrusion to prematurely degrade the pavement.  ...
Continue Reading