In early May 2022, Macon County, Illinois was able to perform road reconstruction to help ensure that the citizens who are driving have safer, longer-lasting roads. The county is taking proactive, innovative steps by utilizing the application of VRAM. VRAM is a Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane.
J-Band® is Asphalt Materials’ VRAM and unlike other methods is a materials approach to fixing the age-old problem of longitudinal joint issues. VRAM is a highly polymer-modified asphalt cement that is placed along the location of the longitudinal joint before paving.
As HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) is paved on top, the VRAM melts and migrates up into the voids of the mix, making the mix impermeable to air and moisture while also sealing the longitudinal joint itself.
This short video below shows how VRAM works.
VRAM helps keep air and water from penetrating deeper into treated pavements, protecting vulnerable areas of the road. Experience shows when the longitudinal joint lasts longer, the entire pavement will last longer.
VRAM has been used successfully in 22 states across the country to not only help infrastructure dollars go further but also reduce road maintenance and save lives.
Macon County Project Details
The target application for J-Band at the centerline of the road was for an 18” wide strip. J-Band was applied to this road on top of a recently applied level binder mix. Once the J-Band was placed and the project came to a close, the J-Band successfully migrated upwards, as it is intended to do.
Other Projects and Studies Supporting the Use of VRAM and J-Band
You can review other projects by reading other stories here within the news tab, and by utilizing our Project Map and Sorter tool on this area of our website: https://thejointsolution.com/project-map/
You can view Studies that other states have conducted that recommend VRAM as a solution to building longer-lasting, safer roads by clicking here: https://thejointsolution.com/resource/studies/
J-Band® is a VRAM product from Asphalt Materials, Inc. and was created in the labs of the Heritage Research Group. VRAM has been helping roads last longer since 2002 and has been used in 22 States and The District of Columbia.
Editor’s Notes: VRAM, Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane, is referred to in Illinois as LJS, Longitudinal Joint Sealant.