VMS Location
Level of Aesthetics
Construction Type
Standard Concrete Pavement
This VMS application is applicable for most roadside locations. Standard concrete pavement can be colored or patterned during installation. One of the few disadvantages of this application is its high installation cost; however, this VMS has a high effective longevity.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Minor Concrete Pavement
Minor concrete pavement can be easily installed with standard equipment and colored and patterned for a variety of uses. Minor concrete can contain additives such as crumb rubber and polypropylene fibers.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Asphalt Composite
Asphalt composite consists of an asphalt emulsion reinforced with fiberglass strands. This method is a rapid, single step, high rate application that minimizes lane closure and worker exposure. Seamless installation minimizes weed encroachment at seams. This treatment adheres to asphalt, concrete, wood and metal. Installation requires a temperature >50°.
Asphalt Concrete Pavement
Standard Type B asphalt concrete mixed, spread and compacted per DOT specifications. The material thickness varies and is site specific. This VMS is used in most applications at a generally lower cost.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Stamped Asphalt Pavement
Stamped asphalt pavement is an economical alternative to other types of aesthetic pavements. This VMS has variety of colors and patterns and installation is less labor intensive than patterned concrete pavement.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Patterned Concrete Pavement
Patterned concrete consists of a standard concrete mixture using color additive and a stamped pattern Patterned concrete pavement is imprinted with patterns before curing. Color can by surface applied or integral to the concrete mix. This VMS treatment is more expensive and labor intensive than stamped asphalt, but it is better suited at some locations such as steeper slopes. This VMS is not well suited for most retrofit locations.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Weed Control Fiber Mat
This VMS consists of mats of synthetic polyester fibers made from recycled drink bottles. These mats need to be placed on a level surface without any debris. This VMS can be used in new and retrofit locations. The VMS comes in rolls up to 6ft. wide in a variety of colors.
Recycled Asphalt Millings
Compacted recycled asphalt from asphalt milling operations is applied on a prepared surface on compacted subgrade. The longevity and effectiveness of this VMS is directly related to proper installation. Compaction is required to ensure the asphalt millings are not dislodged and subject to weed infiltration.
Rock Blanket
A rock blanket used as a VMS consists of rock cobble installed on the soil surface with or without using mortar. The size, color and texture of the rock blanket can vary with the rock material choice.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Gravel Mulch
Gravel mulch consists of placing graded, crushed, or quarried rock over a geosynthetic fabric (herbicide or non-herbicide treated). The use of this VMS allows for stormwater infiltration. Limitations to this treatment include the potential for displacement by errant vehicles and maintenance equipment and voids filling with windblown soil allowing weed development.
Rock Slope Protection
Rock slope protection consists of rock cobble (usually larger than other VMS applications) placed over a geosynthetic blanket (herbicide or non-herbicide treated). It is generally used on slopes and embankments. This VMS is relatively low cost and easily installed. The color and texture vary with the rock used. This VMS has limited use due to the size of the rock cobble used.
Aggregate Base
This VMS consists of a compactable aggregate base placed on prepared surface and compacted to 90-95%. This VMS uses standard installation and maintenance equipment and allows for stormwater infiltration.
Modular Paving Units
Modular paving units consist of concrete or brick pavers used as a VMS. They are durable, come in a variety of shapes and colors, and can be a cost effective treatment. Pavers can sustain both pedestrian and vehicle traffic depending on the specifications of the pavers. This VMS is can be placed on a pervious or impervious surface and used with or without mortar.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Irrigated Ornamental Vegetation
Irrigated ornamental vegetation is generally used in urban and suburban locations where there are greater stakeholder expectations for aesthetics. Vegetation is chosen for specific qualities such as maximum height and ability to out compete weeds. The benefits include erosion control, stormwater runoff infiltration and landscape enhancement. The limitation of this VMS is the required maintenance over its life cycle.
Rubber Weed Mat
Rubber weed mats consist of recycled rubber tires adhered together with a resin. Cutouts are often provided for post placement. This VMS comes in various colors. The material is easily installed; however, the process is time consuming. Therefore, worker exposure to traffic and other roadway hazards is greater.
Crumb Rubber Modified Concrete
Crumb rubber modified concrete or CRMCrete is a concrete-based product using a slurry blend of recycled scrap tire crumb rubber material and homopolymer polypropylene high performance reinforcing fibers. The CRMCrete weed barrier system is installed similar to concrete and can be used with color and texture for increased aesthetic value.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Glass Cullet
Crushed glass (cullet) particles are generally angular in shape and can contain some flat and elongated particles depending on the degree of processing (i.e., crushing). This is used similar to other aggregate materials. Available in variety of colors.
Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mats (GCCMs)
GCCM is a flexible cement-impregnated fabric that hardens when hydrated to form a thin, durable concrete layer. This material has different proprietary name such as Concrete Cloth™ and Concrete Canvas®. This VMS consists of a dry concrete mix, reinforcing fiber matrix, fabric top surface and poly vinyl chloride (PVC) bottom coating for waterproofing.
If using with a strong post guardrail refer to the STRONG POST GUARDRAIL USE WITH RIGID VMS MATERIALS information sheet for leave-out compliance requirements.
Native/Non-Irrigated Vegetation
Native/Non-Irrigated vegetation consists of low growing species that out compete undesired vegetation. This may include irrigated ornamental, and non-irrigated native and/or non-native vegetation. This VMS allows for stormwater infiltration. Worker exposure is high for installation and maintenance due to factors such as site preparation and hand planting. The plant establishment period is subject to increased maintenance.
Organic Mulch
This VMS consists of surface applied, mulched recycled materials such as chipped wood and bark. Mulch allows for stormwater infiltration. Debris from clearing operations may provide a cost-effective source. However, this VMS has a limited longevity of 2 to 3 years. Organic mulch may not be suitable in areas subject to fire hazards.