Fire insulation schemes for FRP-strengthened concrete slabs

In recent years, widespread deterioration of civil infrastructure has been a catalyst for the application of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets for reinforcement or strengthening of concrete structures. However, the performance of these FRP strengthening systems in fire is a serious concern, and this represents a critical obstacle to the widespread implementation of FRP repair techniques in buildings. This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical study conducted to investigate the performance in fire of insulated FRP-strengthened concrete slabs. Four different supplemental fire insulation systems are examined through standard fire tests, and a numerical model to predict member behavior in fire is presented. Model predictions are shown to satisfactorily agree with test data. The results of this study indicate that appropriately designed and insulated FRP-strengthened concrete slabs are capable of achieving satisfactory fire endurances.