Road managers know that the longitudinal joint is the first part of the pavement to fail. As a road’s most permeable part, this joint is susceptible to the elements. Air and water work down through this gap causing the joint to deteriorate, crack, and pothole. And when the longitudinal joint fails, the rest of the road soon follows—triggering the need for even more maintenance.
VRAM being applied in Michigan
A call to action for federal, state and local departments of transportation is to build more resilient and sustainable transportation systems to benefit and protect communities. It is also a goal for these groups to invest in purpose-driven research and innovation to meet the challenge of the present and modernize a transportation system of the future that serves everyone today and in the decades to come.
VRAM is one such technology that ‘checks a lot of these boxes.’
Unlike mechanical approaches to improving pavement performance, VRAM is a materials approach and is applied prior to paving under the eventual location of the longitudinal joint. VRAM is A Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) that will fill a portion of the voids with an asphalt product from the bottom up. It is a highly viscous material. VRAM is able to help preserve pavements and longitudinal joints from premature failure.
Michigan Investing in Proven Technologies that Create Longer-Lasting Roads
In early July, Pavement Maintenance Systems’ (PMS) first VRAM application took place in Michigan. PMS is a proud member of the Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI) team located in Imlay City, Michigan.
PMS uses VRAM to help create longer-lasting, safer roads. This particular VRAM project in Michigan in early July utilized the MA4™ Longitudinal Joint Sealer equipment produced by Cimline.
There are many features and benefits of the MA4, which include:
- First and only towable VRAM (Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane) applicator that does not require a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
- Fog sealing of profiled milled features such as rumble strips paint lines are easy to seal with the MA4
- Saves you money by enabling you to take control of longitudinal joint sealing
- Faster and simpler logistics on every project when you control this step of the paving process
- Control the pace. Only apply what is needed for the day’s final surface paving
- The application bar can be set to the specified width and material application rate in seconds
- Basic setup and easy operation with Cimline automated controls
- Indicator lights tell the driver when the system is active and speed is within the rate application range
- Works well with VRAM and other HOT products
To learn more about the MA4, visit: https://cimline.com/ma4.html
Cimline designs and manufactures equipment to preserve roadways throughout the world. Cimline continues to offer cutting-edge technology through its worldwide network of distributors. They are headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota with manufacturing plants in Minnesota and Mississippi.
VRAM Delivers Long-Term Benefits
VRAM is a breakthrough discovery that helps roads last up to 5 years longer and delivers a return on investment of 3 to 5 times its cost. It is a sustainable innovation that provides long-term benefits.
About Pavement Maintenance Systems (PMS)
Pavement Maintenance Systems is focused on building long-term relationships with customers and vendors based on trust and confidence. A team approach to management allows Pavement Maintenance Systems to provide creative and effective solutions to issues affecting customers and their roadways.
Some key members of the PMS team include, President: Stewart Schwikert, Operations Manager: Steve Willett and Project Manager: Angela Wilburn.
To contact us, you can email us at: StewartS@asphalt-materials.com or Marketing@Asphalt-Materials.com
To learn more about PMS, visit: https://asphalt-materials.com/pms/
About Asphalt Materials, Incorporated
Asphalt Materials, Inc., has been continually focused on the asphalt business since our formation in 1956. A core strength of our business is the formulation, manufacturing, and R&D of asphalt binders and emulsions. Our asphalt companies supply high quality products and services around the United States, allowing us to excel in pavement preservation techniques and construction services.
We are a proud member of The Heritage Group and bring over 65 years of experience in the asphalt industry to road construction projects. Our teams of professionals are dedicated to creating longer-lasting, safer roads with quality, reliable asphalt materials.
We work closely with the Heritage Research Group team to ensure the highest quality asphalt materials and processes are brought to market. We are committed to building long-term relationships and mutual trust. We are excited to tackle our industries biggest challenges, looking for new and inventive ways to create solutions that will mean better, safer and longer lasting roads.
