Evaluating the fire performance of FRP-strengthened structures

The high-temperature performance of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) is largely unknown. The fire-performance of concrete members strengthened with FRP sheets was studied by researchers at Queen's University, Canada and the Institute for Research in Construction at the National Research Council of Canada. Fire endurance experiments were conducted on both intermediate and full-scale FRP-strengthened concrete columns, slabs and beams. The FRP systems were Tyfo Fibrewrap and WaboMbrace CF130 and the insulation systems were Tyfo VG-EI, Tyfo VG/EI-R, WABO System 1 and WABO System 2. Both square and circular FRP-wrapped columns and FRP flexurally strengthened concrete beam-slab assemblies demonstrated satisfactory fire endurance under load according to the requirements of current fire testing procedures.