Original Article

Journal of Reinforced Plastics

and Composites

Research and design guidelines for the 32(17) 1302–1309

! The Author(s) 2013
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DOI: 10.1177/0731684413485488
reinforced concrete structures under fire jrp.sagepub.com

exposure: A brief review

MA Faruqi, G Escobedo, D Sun and J Sai

Abstract
This article presents the state-of-the-art literature review for the behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer and performance
of fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete structures exposed to high temperatures. The article is organized into
six parts. They are thermo-mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, bond characteristics of fiber-
reinforced polymers at high temperatures, fire reaction properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, fire protec-
tion methods, performance of fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete structures under fire conditions, and design
codes. The design codes presented herein are that of American Concrete Institute and the Canada Standards
Association. Sections pertaining to fiber-reinforced polymer fire design in these codes are discussed, including the
future developments for enhancing the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete structures under
elevated temperatures.

Keywords
Design recommendations, fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete, fire, thermo-mechanical properties

Introduction reinforcements under elevated temperature conditions

Concrete structures around the world face problems
regarding deterioration due to the corroding of steel
reinforcement. In recent years, the implementation of
fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement in the
construction industry has increased due to its durabil-
ity, high strength, and ability to resist corrosion. FRP
composites have helped enhance the performance of
structures by providing durable, reinforcement solu-
tions; therefore, this has allowed for the use of FRP
composites to extend beyond conventional bars.
Other applications of FRP composites in structures
include wraps for rehabilitation of columns in seismic
zones, external reinforcement, composite bridge decks,
plus hybrid (combination of composite and conven-
tional materials) and composite structural systems.1
An important consideration when incorporating FRP
reinforcement in civil infrastructure is the threat of fire.
Exposure of FRP composites to high temperatures
affects their mechanical and bond properties, causing
rapid deterioration. Therefore, an appreciation by civil
engineers and designers for the behavior of FRP
is important to ensure adequate design and durability
of structure.
With the increase in use of FRP reinforcement in civil
infrastructure, there is still little known about the per-
formance of FRP reinforcement under fire conditions.
As temperatures rise within the system, the composite
constituents are subjected to changes in its mechanical
properties. As the surface of the FRP bar reaches the
transition glass temperature, the resin will no longer be
able to transfer stresses from the concrete to the fibers.2
At this point, the fibers begin to experience failure char-
acteristics leading to the de-bonding of resin with fibers.3
Once total de-bonding of resin and fibers is experienced,
Texas A & M University-Kingsville, MSC 194, Kingsville, TX, USA
Corresponding author:
MA Faruqi, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, MSC 194,
Texas A&M University- Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA.
Email: m-faruqi@tamuk.edu
Faruqi et al.
loss of anchorage between rebar and concrete occurs.4
As a result, cracks begin to develop in the concrete,
causing deflections.3 The effects can lead to the collapse
of the structure.5 Design guidelines for the construction
of concrete structures reinforced with composite
reinforcement have been established by various coun-
tries yet recommendations for design under fire condi-
tions are still limited. Therefore, this area needs further
research in order to exploit the full potential of FRP
composites in civil infrastructure.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) published its
first design guidelines for FRP-reinforced concrete in
2001. ACI 440.1R-06, Guide for the Design of and
Construction of Structural Concrete Reinforced with
FRP Bars was published in 2006 and is currently used
for practice.4 The Canada Standards Association
(CSA) published CAN/CSA S806-02, Design and
Construction of Building Components with Fiber
Reinforced Polymers in 2002. CAN/CSA S806-02 is
the current standard for the design of FRP-reinforced
concrete structures in Canada. Therefore, the aim of
this article is to review research conducted with respect
to the behavior of FRP and performance of FRP-rein-
forced concrete structures exposed to elevated tempera-
tures as well as the design codes mentioned beforehand.
Comments will be provided for future improvements of
design codes.
Previous studies
Fire always poses a potential risk to structures and
must be considered in the design process. The lack of
fire design guidelines is an important issue when utiliz-
ing FRP composites in civil infrastructure. Tests and
research have been conducted in the past several years
to better understand the performance of FRP compos-
ites when subjected to elevated temperatures, yet fur-
ther research is needed in this area.
Thermo-mechanical properties of FRPs under
elevated temperatures
The most commonly used fibers to make up bars
include carbon, aramid, and glass fibers with carbon
bars being the top choice for reinforcement due to its
favorable mechanical properties. Binding of the fibers is
achieved by using an organic matrix, usually polyester
epoxy or vinylester, expoxy or vinylester resins.
Figure 1 shows common glass and carbon FRP
(GFRP and CFRP)-reinforcing bars.
It is well-established that the mechanical properties
of FRP composites decline with rising temperatures.
At elevated temperatures, the mechanical properties
of FRP rebars begin to weaken (stress, strain, displace-
ment, and strength). The glass transition temperature
1303
Figure 1. Glass and carbon fiber reinforced polymer bars.6
(Tg) is a very significant property of polymers. The ACI
refers to the Tg as the temperature at which a polymer
will begin to soften.4 The Tg of the matrix can vary and
depends on composition and properties of the compo-
nents. The Tg is normally described to fall between
65 C and 120 C, depending on the type of resin utilized
to bond the fibers.4 As temperatures continue to
increase above the Tg, the elastic modulus (E-modulus)
of a polymer will be greatly reduced due to change in its
molecular structure.7 At higher temperature values, the
resin reaches flow temperature (Tf), causing the resin to
turn to liquid.5 Unlike composite fibers, which main-
tain much of their strength at high temperatures, FRP
bars can lose their mechanical properties due to deteri-
oration of resin, leading to failure of structure. Figure 2
shows the variation of E-modulus with increasing
temperature.
Effects of resin degradation can affect the total com-
position of composite rebar since force transfer strength
between resin and fibers is reduced. Studies performed
by Kumahara et al. found a reduction of tensile
strength of around 20% for FRP bars at a temperature
of 250 C.8 Tests performed by Blontrok et al. also
showed that the ultimate tensile strength properties
for aramid (AFRP) and carbon bars decreased impres-
sively with increasing temperatures.9
Bond properties of FRPs under fire
Bond strength is essential for transferring loads
through the polymer matrix or adhesive. Bond strength
characteristics between concrete and FRP bars are
dependent on the mechanical properties of the matrix.
Alteration or degradation of the mechanical properties
of the matrix occurring at temperature values higher
than the Tg have the potential to cause loss of bond
at conservative increased temperatures, leading to loss
of bond between concrete and FRP bar. Limited
research is available regarding bond strength behavior
of FRP bars and FRP strengthening systems at elevated
temperatures. Studies performed by Katz et al. on the
effects of high temperatures on bond properties were
carried out for four different kinds of FRP bars.10
1304
Figure 2. Schematic sketch for variation of elastic modulus
approaching glass transition temperature.
Loss of bond strength was noted to be 80% to 90% for
increasing temperatures ranging from 20 C to 250 C
with severe reduction in bond strength occurring for
temperatures between 180 C and 200 C. Testing con-
ducted by Cleary et al.11 on the effects of elevated tem-
peratures on FRP composites used to strengthen
concrete columns showed that the strength ability of
FRP reinforcement used to strengthen concrete cylin-
ders declined as temperatures increased.11 It is evident
that bond degradation resulting from elevated tempera-
tures affects the performance of internal and external
FRP strengthening composites and therefore further
research is required in this area.
Fire reaction properties of composites
The behavior of composites under fire conditions is
affected by the fire reaction properties of the compos-
ite.12 Fire reaction properties of a composite that influ-
ence flammability include time-to-ignition, limiting
oxygen index (LOI), heat release rate (HRR), and
flame spread rate. Burning of composites has demon-
strated to produce hazardous conditions. Properties
that measure fire hazards include smoke density and
toxicity. Understanding of the fire reaction properties
of composites is important since they influence spread
and temperature of fire. Furthermore, it allows for
designers to perform adequate design recommendations
and ensure optimum performance of composite mater-
ials under fire scenarios.
Time-to-ignition
In order to determine how fast a product will ignite, it is
important to understand the product’s time-to-ignition
characteristics. The time-to-ignition is described as the
Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites 32(17)
time period from which a composite is exposed to a
heat source to the time combustion occurs.13 For
resins used in the construction industry (e.g. polyester,
expoxy, vinylester), the time-to-ignition can occur in a
short amount of time once heat is applied. The time-to-
ignition of resins occurs when the pyrolysis temperature
is reached, which is about 250 C to 400 C for most
organic resins. Ignition time of a composite is affected
by the heat flux (fire temperature) of a fire, available
oxygen content, thermophysical properties of matrix
and fiber reinforcement, and thickness of the compos-
ite. As less resin is present in the composite, less amount
of combustible material is available to produce volatiles
required for ignition. Determination of time-to-ignition
is done by way of fire testing in accordance to tech-
niques described in ASTM E-1354-04a.14
Limiting oxygen index, heat release rate, and flame
spread rate
The LOI is described as the minimum amount of
oxygen required to sustain a fire.15 Different values
for the LOI are assigned to resins based on tests that
expose composites to different levels of oxygen. This
characteristic is useful to determine the flammability
of polymer composites yet is not valid to use as an
assessable measure of fire resistance. Heat produced
from combustion of a composite can contribute to the
expansion of a fire. The HRR is described as the
amount of hydrocarbon volatiles broken down during
combustion of a composite. The HRR is described to
be the most important fire reaction property because it
provides additional thermal energy, contributing to the
spread and growth of a fire. As a fire grows, the HRR
value increases, with the maximum value achieved
when heat released from a burning material occurs at
its fastest rate. Flame spread is a major concern when
utilizing composites in infrastructure. When a fire
develops, it becomes difficult to contain flames as the
fire continues to grow. The most common method used
to determine flame spread rate for composite materials
is by radiant panel flame spread technique described in
ASTM E162.16
Smoke density and toxicity
The amount of smoke produced by burning of polymer
composites is significant since dense smoke can impact
visibility and cause delays when fighting the fire.
Studies performed by Sorathia found that smoke pro-
duced by highly flammable composites (e.g. polyester,
vinyl esters, epoxies) is more dense than smoke from
phenolic laminates.17 Therefore, the application of
phenolic laminates is preferred for areas that are vul-
nerable to fire exposure. Fiber content found in the
Faruqi et al.
composite can also influence the amount of smoke pro-
duced. As more fiber content is found in the composite,
less organic material is available to produce smoke.18
Smoke density can also be influenced by intensity of the
fire. In addition, burning of composites, like phenolic
laminates, produce hazardous gases like carbon mon-
oxide, carbon dioxide, toluene, methane, acetone, pro-
ponal, propane, benzene, benzaldehde, and volatile
aromatic compounds.19 The release of these toxic
gases has the ability to cause health problems, yet it is
the amount of carbon monoxide in the smoke that
poses the greatest health risk. It has been noted that
carbon dioxide levels must surpass 100,000 ppm in 1 h
to cause human death when compared to carbon mon-
oxide levels of only 1500 ppm. The carbon monoxide
content produced by a burning composite is dependent
of the composition of the organic matrix, oxygen avail-
ability, and temperature.
Fire protection methods for FRPs
Due to high flammability risk of FRP composites, sur-
face protective coatings can provide additional protec-
tion from high temperatures. Notable properties that
surface protective coatings posses include: non-flamm-
ability, low thermal conductivity, strong adhesion to
the FRP material, environmental resistance, thinness,
and low cost. There are three primary classes of coat-
ings: flame-retardant polymers, thermal barriers, and
intumescent coatings.20 Flame-retardant polymers are
fire-resistant organic resins that are applied over the
composite matter. Thermal barriers are ceramic-based
materials with low heat of conductivity. Intumescent
coatings provide protection at high temperatures by
undergoing a chemical reaction that produces a thick
coating that has low heat of conductivity properties. In
addition, flame retardant organic coatings help offset
the pyrolysis of composites, while thermal barriers con-
tribute great insulating and heat reflecting properties.21
In this section, the characteristics of composite mater-
ials under fire utilized in civil infrastructure as well as
effects produced by the burning of composites and fire
protection methods are discussed. These characteristics
can help determine what can be done to prevent degrad-
ation of FRP composites once fire is present as well as to
help or prevent or reduce the spread of fire. In addition,
a better understanding of fire characteristics of compos-
ite can also give the ability to designers to plan safety
evacuation plans and prevent total structural collapse.
Performance of FRP reinforced concrete under fire
The following literature briefly describes studies per-
formed on FRP reinforced concrete elements under
fire scenarios.
1305
Tests performed by Kodur and Bisby compared con-
crete slabs reinforced with conventional steel to FRP
reinforced slabs under fire conditions.22 Design of slabs
reinforced with FRP rebar was completed in accord-
ance to guidelines specified by CAN/CSA-S806-02.23
Composite reinforcement included carbon and glass
bars. Analysis of results showed that FRP reinforced
concrete slabs have lower fire resistance than those rein-
forced with steel bars, where fire resistance is described
as the ability of a member to withstand exposure to fire
without loss of load bearing function or ability to act as
barrier to spread a fire. This observation is based on the
ability of FRP composite bars to withstand high tem-
peratures before experiencing failure characteristics. It
was noted that fire resistance of FRP reinforced con-
crete slabs is affected by type of reinforcement, concrete
cover thickness, and type of aggregate in concrete
mixture.
Rafi and Nadjai studied the performance of carbon
fiber and hybrid (steel-CFRP) reinforced concrete
beams at elevated temperatures.24 The design of
beams was based on ACI 440.1R-06 design guidelines.
A benchmark temperature of 400 C was used to study
the performance of the beams beyond this temperature.
As temperatures surpassed the 400 C mark, it was
observed that the material properties of the carbon
fiber bars rapidly began deteriorating due to loss of
resin. It was also noted that bond strength affected by
elevated temperature scenarios yet depend on the
rebar’s surface treatment. In addition, strength and
stiffness characteristics were observed to be lower for
CFRP reinforced beams when compared to hybrid
beams.
Abbasi and Hogg tested concrete beams reinforced
with glass fiber rebars.25 Testing specimens consisted of
3 beams reinforced with GFRP rebars: a control beam
tested at room temperature and 2 beams tested under
fire conditions. Construction of the beams was per-
formed following Eurocode 2 and ACI 440 guidelines.
It was noted that 2 beams (control beam and beam 1)
were reinforced with GFRP rebars bonded with
thermoset resin. Beam 2 was reinforced with GFRP
rebars bonded with thermoplastic resin. Failure for
both beams 1 and 2 was observed to be due to fire
penetration through cracks, causing of de-bonding of
the fibers with resin. De-bonding resulted in shear
cracks along the beam. It was also observed that
rebar weight for beam 1 was reduced by 22.3% while
rebar weight for beam 2 was reduced by 33.8%. The
author also recommended that a minimum cover of
70 mm be used in future designs of concrete members
reinforced with GFRP bars.
Some major conclusions with respect to the behavior
of FRP-reinforced concrete specimens under high tem-
perature conditions is that concrete cover thickness
1306
provided does affect the performance of composite
rebars as well as the load-carrying capacity of the con-
crete. Larger covers delay the effect of high tempera-
tures reaching FRP reinforcement, allowing for
strength characteristics to be maintained by bars.
Codes and guidelines
Design codes and specifications have been published in
recent years by technical organizations that aid engin-
eers in designing concrete structures reinforced with
FRP materials. Such guidelines outline the design
methodologies for the design and construction of con-
crete members reinforced with FRP bars, yet limited
content is provided for the safe design of fire resistance.
Additional recommendations are needed to insure that
the structural integrity of the system is maintained
during and after fire exposure. Future developments
will allow the implementation of FRP reinforcement
in civil infrastructure to continue to grow.
This section will review ACI 440.1R-06 (ACI 440
from here on) and (CAN/CSA S806-02 S806 from
here on) design guidelines as they relate to topics cov-
ered in this review and provide recommendations on
the design and construction of concrete structures rein-
forced with FRP bars with regard to fire exposure.
These guidelines are chosen as they are relatively
more comprehensive and popular in use. Only sections
of ACI 440 and CSA S806 design guidelines that could
be improved will be analyzed.
Principles established by ACI 440 and CSA S806
guidelines stem from steel reinforced concrete design
principles with modifications to account for physical-
mechanical characteristics of composite bars. ACI 440
design considerations for construction of concrete rein-
forced with FRP bars exposed to high temperatures
mainly consists of the discussion of thermal properties
of FRP reinforcement. In Section 3.4 (Effects of High
Temperature and Fire) of ACI 440, thermo-mechanical
properties of matrix and composites elements are dis-
cussed. CSA S806 design recommendations for the
design of FRP reinforced concrete for fire conditions
include limited commentary found in sections 1.4, 5.3.2,
5.3.3, 5.3.4, and Annex T. Annex T provides commen-
tary and figures regarding fire resistance and concrete
cover values for various concrete slab thicknesses.
These prescriptive methods have prevented engineers
and designers from exposure to performance-based
design approaches for fire safety.
ACI 440 section 3.4 – Effects of high temperature
and fire
The design philosophy followed by ACI 440 for the
construction of concrete structures reinforced with
Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites 32(17)
FRP rebars is based on limit state design principles.
The limit state design model requires that strength as
well as performance criteria (fatigue, creep, and service-
ability) be satisfied. ACI 440 Section 3.4 states that the
use of FRPs is not recommended where the structure’s
stability is dependent on the fire resistance of the struc-
ture. The effects of elevated temperatures on composite
rebars can degrade the mechanical properties of the
composite, posing threat to the structural system.
Topics covered in Section 3.4 of ACI 440 describe the
behavior of FRP composite bars under high tempera-
ture conditions, including Tg and threshold tempera-
ture of fiber materials (glass, aramid, and carbon
fibers). Section 3.4 also includes related research sup-
porting design recommendations. As previously
described, the Tg is the temperature at which properties
of a polymer will begin to show sudden change. Table 1
shows the assigned values for threshold temperature of
fiber materials found in Section 3.4 of ACI 440.
The effects of fibers experiencing temperatures above
the threshold temperatures values can lead to anchor-
age loss between concrete and rebar, causing possible
collapse of structural system. Due to limited data
regarding the performance of concrete reinforced with
FRP rebars under fire, Section 3.4 of ACI 440 notes
that further research is needed in this area.
CAN/CSA S806-02
Design guidelines provided by CAN/CSA S806-02 for
the design of concrete structures with FRP reinforce-
ment is based on limit state design principles and are
consistent with the National Building Code of Canada
(NBCC).26 Table 2 shows sections found in CSA S806
providing commentary for design under fire exposure
consist of the following:
With exception of Annex T, each given section pro-
vides limited commentary regarding design procedures
for fire conditions. In addition, designers are noted to
refer to related standards, like NBCC and Underwriters
Laboratories of Canada (ULC) for further design cri-
teria pertaining to fire design. Annex T provides add-
itional information and design aids in respect to
determining concrete cover values.27 The charts pro-
vided are based on studies regarding concrete cover
Table 1. Threshold temperature values for common materials.4
Threshold
Fiber material temperature ( C)
Glass fiber 880
Aramid fiber 180
Carbon fiber 1600
Faruqi et al.
Table 2. Sections providing fire design commentary in Canada
Standards Association (CSA).23
CSA S806 - Fire Design Commentary
Section Topic
1.4 Exposure to Fire and Temperature Effects
5.3.2 Fire Resistance
5.3.3 Flame Spread and Smoke Development
5.3.4 Noncombustibility
Annex T Procedure for the Determination of Concrete Cover
for a Required Fire Resistance Rating
thickness, critical temperature of the reinforcement,
and type of aggregate found in concrete mixture.
Engineers and designers can utilize the charts to deter-
mine a suitable concrete cover thickness of FRP
reinforcement for a required fire resistance rating.
Future developments
Clearly, fire exposure of FRP composite materials to
elevated temperatures poses severe threat to its overall
performance. Notable topics that deserve attention
when utilizing FRP composite bars as reinforcement
with regard to fire include concrete cover, loading
experienced by rebars at time of fire, post-fire proper-
ties, health monitoring systems, and fire rating.
Concrete cover
Concrete cover is described by ACI 318-11, Building
Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, as protec-
tion against elements and is measured from the concrete
surface to the outermost surface of the steel.28 Section
3.4 of ACI 440 does not give recommendations on the
value of concrete cover thickness for FRP bars. CSA
S806 provides recommendations for concrete cover yet
only for elements presstressed with FRP reinforcement.
Values for concrete cover thickness given by ACI 318-
11 can be used for estimation when designing concrete
systems reinforced with FRP yet show to be conserva-
tive if considered for the design of concrete structures
reinforced with FRP bars. Tests and commentary
regarding concrete cover thickness of concrete elements
reinforced with FRP bars under fire is documented,
where it is shown that concrete cover thickness does
impact the behavior of FRP bars.22,25 In order to pre-
serve the mechanical properties of the composite con-
stituents, adequate concrete cover thickness must be
provided to allow FRP bars to remain under Tg. As
noted in Annex T of CSA S806, tests performed by
Kodur and Baingo found that fire resistance of concrete
1307
slabs relied on concrete cover provided, critical tem-
perature of FRP rebars, and type of aggregate in con-
crete mix.29 As previously discussed, tests carried out
by Kodur and Bisby determined that concrete cover
does affect fire resistance of slabs reinforced with
FRP bars.22 Furthermore, it was noted that slabs con-
taining carbonate aggregate demonstrated better
behavior than those utilizing siliceous aggregate.
Aggregates can make up to 60–80% of volume in
entire concrete mixture, therefore the choice of aggre-
gate directly impacts the performance of concrete under
fire conditions.30 Designers must ensure that the right
aggregate is selected to obtain the proper thickness of
concrete elements that would achieve the desired fire
resistance rating. As it can be seen, concrete cover
designated for concrete reinforced with FRP bars is
affected by various elements, namely type of aggregate
used in concrete and critical temperature of FRP bars.
It is therefore necessary to carry out tests to allow for
valid recommendations to be made in respect to con-
crete cover for concrete elements reinforced with FRP
bars under elevated temperatures. By research being
conducted, design guidelines can incorporate recom-
mendations for concrete cover, as well as related data
to ensure the safe and efficient design of structures for
fire scenarios.
Post-fire properties
The lack of recommendations on post-fire behavior is a
topic that deserves further attention in order to assess
structural systems that incorporate FRP reinforcement
after fire exposure. Besides service loads experienced
concrete members, additional loading is experienced
by members during elevated temperature conditions.
Additional fire loads are not considered in design
codes for the design of FRP reinforced concrete
under fire scenarios. These supplementary fire loads
generate additional loads on the structural system and
structural elements, like vertical and horizontal mem-
bers. Integrity of FRP reinforcement must also be eval-
uated. In structural systems, major parts that are
affected by fire are often not exposed, yet have experi-
enced severe thermal loading and degradation. Further
analysis is needed after fire conditions to evaluate the
structural system’s residual load-bearing capacity and
develop future structural repair plans.
Structural health monitoring systems
Surveillance of FRP-reinforced concrete structures is
important to ensure the structure’s service integrity.
Structural health monitoring (SHM) allows for the
evaluation of structures when subjected to harsh con-
ditions and help formulate precise repair plans for
1308
rehabilitation or replacement of structural compo-
nents. SHM systems can also formulate present time
alerts and predict future accidents in advance. The use
of SHM systems, like fiber optic sensors (FOS), can
provide field readings regarding temperature, corro-
sion, and strain of structural components. Use of
new innovative materials, like FRP reinforcement,
has already led to the implementation of SHM sys-
tems in various kinds of infrastructure. Literature dis-
cussing SHM systems and field applications include Li
et al., Corvaglia et al., and Mufti and Neale.31–33 FRP
reinforced concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
is susceptible to experience failure conditions. As pre-
viously discussed in the thermo-mechanical properties
of FRPs under elevated temperatures section, fire
exposure of FRP composites can lead to decompos-
ition of resin, resulting in changes in material and
state properties. Therefore, monitoring of temperature
levels is vital to prevent FRP bars from experiencing
failure characteristics. High temperatures can also
pose risk to the concrete, as high temperatures can
cause evaporation of free moisture, leading to early
crack development. Pressure build-up caused by con-
version of moisture can also lead to spalling of con-
crete, resulting in loss of strength. Data gathered from
SHM systems can be analyzed by engineers, allowing
for the preparation of precise and efficient proposals
regarding rehabilitation of structures after fire expos-
ure. Health monitoring of new state-of-the-art mater-
ials, like FRP rebars, is crucial to understanding long-
term behavior and safety measures of structure.
Therefore, it is necessary that design codes provide
recommendations for the use of SHM systems, as
SHM systems can provide practical data on the per-
formance of FRP composites plus allow for full moni-
toring benefits of structural systems.
Fire rating
Fire rating is described by CSA S806 as the time (in
hours or fraction) that an assembly (roof, floor, beam,
wall, or column) can endure a standard fire.23 Unlike
conventional reinforced concrete members, FRP
strengthened structural systems require suitable fire
protection to achieve fire endurance ratings under
increased service loads. Guides like ACI 216R-89,
Guide for Determining the Fire Endurance of
Concrete Elements,34 and NBCC,25 provide recommen-
dations for determining fire endurance of concrete
structures, yet provide no information regarding con-
crete reinforced with FRP rebars. Factors that impact
fire resistance include type of aggregate utilized in con-
crete mixture, reinforcement material, and concrete
cover provided, and therefore should be considered
when formulating estimations of fire rating times for
Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites 32(17)
concrete reinforced with FRP bars. As noted, elevated
temperatures accelerate the deterioration of FRP com-
posites, therefore recommendation for fire ratings for
FRP reinforced concrete structures are urgently
needed.
Conclusions
A review of design recommendations for the construc-
tion of FRP-reinforced concrete under fire has been
presented. Discussion included previous research con-
ducted regarding thermo-mechanical properties FRP
composites, bond properties of FRP composites
under fire conditions, fire reaction properties of com-
posites and fire protection methods, and the perform-
ance of FRP reinforced concrete under fire scenarios. In
addition, ACI 440.1R-06 and CAN/CSA S806-02
design guidelines pertaining to the design of FRP rein-
forced concrete under elevated temperatures were ana-
lyzed and future developments are presented.
Funding
This research received no specific grant from any funding
agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
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