J-Band ®, an Asphalt Materials Inc. (AMI) product, has been proven to extend the lifespan of pavement by as much as five years. Developed by Heritage Research Group (HRG), J-Band is a Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) that, when applied before a hot mix asphalt (HMA), rises with heat, filling voids and reducing permeability. The centerline joint is the catalyst for premature road cracking. With the help of J-Band, the likelihood of future damage and maintenance is decreased, returning 3-5x the project’s original cost.
Project Details
- Owner: City of Berkely, MI
- Prime Paving Contractor: AI’s Paving
- Applicator: Road Fabrics, Inc. (RFI)
- Location: Oakland County, Berkley, MI
- Date Constructed: November 7, 2017
- Date Reviewed: November 1, 2023
- Weather Conditions Day of Review: Sunny and 38
AMI Field Support Engineer Chad Crosby visited Harvard Road on November 1, 2023, almost six years to the date of the original J-Band application to review the road’s conditions. This project spans from Woodward Avenue to Cass Boulevard.
![](https://thejointsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/H1.png)
![](https://thejointsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/H2.png)
Paving Observations
Despite being a high traffic road, very little damage was reported on site. On the first block between Woodard and Stanford Road, minimal centerline cracking of 1/8” was observed on 20% of the road and a slight, hairline crack parallel to the seam was reported on 10% of the road. On the second block between Stanford and Cass Road, no cracking was observed.
![](https://thejointsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/h3.png)
![](https://thejointsolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/h4.png)
Conclusion
Upon completion of the review, it can be concluded that after six years of consistent, residential traffic, Harvard Road remains in excellent condition.
For a closer look at projects that have incorporated a VRAM during construction and to discover the benefits of longer-lasting roads in terms of cost savings, time efficiency, and safety, you can 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.
J-Band® was created in the labs of the Heritage Research Group (HRG) and is a product of Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI).