Potential benefits in fire for NSM FRP strengthened reinforced concrete beams

Near surface mounted FRP strengthening is potentially less prone to damage due tofire exposure than externally bonded FRP reinforcement (EBR), provided that: (a) an FRP strengthening material with high glass transition and decomposition temperatures (Tg andTd, respectively); and (b) a bonding agent with low thermal conductivity and good thermal stability, are used. This paper presents a project undertaken on a specific high Tg and cementitious adhesive bonded NSM FRP strengthening system. Dynamic Mechanic Analysis (DMA) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) performed on the novel high Tg commercial CFRP bar yielded a Tg value of 220°C (based on tan peak) and Td of about 360°C. Thermal conductivity tests were also performed on the cementitious grout. The results were used to better explain the failure modes of NSM FRP strengthened reinforced concrete beams at elevated temperature. The paper highlights the importance of understandingthe thermo-mechanical properties of the various constituent materials for improving the performance of FRP strengthening systems in fire.