Opportunities for Performance Based Fire Resistance Design of FRP Reinforced Concrete Slabs

Despite the increasing success in applying FRP reinforcing materials in reinforced concrete structures during the past decade, the comparatively poor mechanical and bond performance of FRP materials at elevated temperatures as might be experienced in a fire have hindered their application in buildings. FRP materials lose their strength, stiffness, and bond properties at comparatively low temperatures in a fire. The result of this is that FRP reinforcing bars often require comparatively large concrete covers to ensure their protection/insulation during fire and to maintain their temperature below an assumed (however currently undefined) critical value. However, requirements such as these are based on a definition of structural fire resistance which is rooted in a prescriptive fire design framework. This paper examines opportunities for internal FRP reinforcement of concrete slabs that might appear within a performance-based fire design framework, such as that which is currently permitted by the Structural Eurocodes for both steel and concrete structures.