By applying a void reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) at the time of construction to longitudinal joints, local and state departments of transportation can ensure their roads are less vulnerable to water that could otherwise seep into the voids. VRAM fills pavement voids in the longitudinal joints from the bottom up and helps create stronger, safer, and more sustainable roads.
Our team recently supported a VRAM application on September 7, 2023, in Sheboygan County. Personnel from Sheboygan County, ProTack and Asphalt Materials Inc. (AMI) were present on the project.
Project Details
- Owner: Sheboygan County
- Applicator: ProTack
- Prime Paving Contractor: Sheboygan County
- Location: Sheboygan County, WI
- Date Constructed: September 7-13, 2023
Application Observations
Weather conditions: Ambient temperature 58 F
On September 7 VRAM was applied on the centerline joint and on all turn lanes. VRAM application started at 8:10 a.m., and ProTack applied it along the centerline of the milled surface. There were no bubbles or stringers of any kind. Band width on this project was targeted at 18” wide with a rate of 0.95 lb./ft. On this day 412 gallons of J-Band were applied over 3440 ft. with an average rate of 0.95 lb./ft.
Paving Observations
Weather conditions: Ambient temperature 60 F
Paving by Sheboygan County began on Wednesday, September 13, at 6:30 a.m. The Sheboygan County asphalt plant was about 30 minutes to the paving location, and they had 15 dump trucks working throughout the day. Equipment included a Volvo P7170B paver and two Cat steel drum rollers. There was no cracking noticed at all throughout the day. The rolling pattern for the breakdown roller consisted of five static passes from high to low. The finish roller worked in vibratory mode across the lane.
Conclusion
Observations over the past 20 years have shown that pavements utilizing VRAM last 3-5 years longer than those not constructed with VRAM, delivering positive long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits to road construction projects.
At Asphalt Materials, we understand that longitudinal joint deterioration has long been a problem for engineers, applicators, and the driving public. VRAM was developed to help create longer-lasting, safer roads through a collaboration between state transportation agencies, industry experts and the laboratories of The Heritage Research Group.
You can explore our interactive map to see more projects that have utilized VRAM at the time of construction and learn more about how longer-lasting roads save money, time and lives here.
