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Investigating the Effects of Fire on Previously Installed FRP

Externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) systems have been installed on thousands of structures for a variety of strengthening applications. These structures can suffer extraordinary events, such as fires, and many questions persist as to how FRP systems perform, how they can be repaired and how they can be protected to ensure that the design intent is met and that the public remains safe.

Two recent installations have proven to be great illustrations of how fire can affect the installed composite and the strengthened elements. In one exterior application, a fire ignited the contents of a large trash bin and damaged sizable portions of the installed composite system. The post-event inspection documented the damage and identified testing to validate the condition of the FRP, the concrete and the extent of the necessary repairs.

In a separate, interior application, a localized fire impacted structural elements that were strengthened with FRP, some protected with a fire-resistant finish and some that were not protected.

This presentation will review the inspection details and test results from each application, while highlighting the results used to validate the design, detailing and remedial measures needed to reinstate the retrofits. The conclusions show that the inspected system was self-extinguishing, that protective coatings can work well to protect the FRP, and that damaged systems can be repaired.

Sep 6, 2022 11:00 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)