In 1995, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) adopted the ignition method as an alternative to chlorinated solvent extraction for quality control and acceptance of hot-mix asphalt. The production of trichloroethane was outlawed in the United States on December 31, 1995, as part of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.

Implementation of the ignition method was accomplished through a training program jointly sponsored by VDOT and the industry. Approximately 75% of the industry began using the method in 1995.

Field data from four standard VDOT mixes were evaluated. The mixes were produced at different plants and contained different types of aggregate from different sources. Test data from the ignition furnace, solvent extraction, and nuclear asphalt contents are provided.

As a result of VDOT's favorable experience with the ignition method, this method is mandatory for all VDOT QC/QA.