A void reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM), more commonly known as a longitudinal joint sealant (LJS), is gaining momentum in the state of Illinois.
At the time of road construction, VRAM is applied under the surface where the longitudinal joint will be placed. After placement of hot mix asphalt (HMA), the heat causes the material to migrate upward, filling voids. This approach helps prevent damage before it begins by reducing permeability in the most vulnerable area of the road.
Asphalt Material, Inc.’s VRAM product is called J-Band® and was created in the labs of the Heritage Research Group (HRG).
Project Details
- Owner: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- Prime Paving Contractor: Howell Asphalt
- Applicator: Illiana
- Location: IL-33, Effingham County, IL
- Date Constructed: April 16-17, 2024
VRAM Application
On April 16, VRAM was applied on the centerline joint beginning at Salt Creek, heading east over the milled surface. The application began around 11:00 a.m. that day with the ambient temperature at 75F.
The targeted band width on this project was 18’’ wide with a rate of 1.47 lb./ft. on the centerline joint. After the VRAM was applied and cooled, Howell Asphalt placed sand on the band since paving was scheduled for the next day. A total of 8,524 gallons were applied over 51,077 feet.
Personnel that were present on the job were Illiana crew members, a paving foreman from Howell Asphalt, Ross Ruholl from IDOT and Field Support Manager Cody Egan from Asphalt Materials, Inc.
Paving Observations
On April 17, paving began at 7:30 a.m. heading east, with an ambient temperature of 68F. The equipment used for the project included a CAT AP1055 paver, RoadTec SB2500e shuttle buggy, Volvo 120B and Volvo 120C steel drum rollers, two Volvo DD25B steel drum rollers, Hamm HP 280i tire roller and a Hamm HD+120i steel drum roller.
The rolling pattern had two breakdown rollers working in tandem in a vibratory mode, two intermediate rollers also working in tandem and two finish rollers. The rubber tire roller was observed working the mat from the high to low side, staying off the area where VRAM was present.
Conclusion
Howell Asphalt successfully applied VRAM on IL-33 in Effingham County. Using a VRAM can help roads last five years longer and deliver a return of investment of three to five times the original cost.
For a closer look at projects that incorporate a VRAM during construction and to discover the benefits of longer-lasting safer roads in terms of cost savings, time efficiency, and safety, 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.
