Fire Resistance Requirements for Bio-Based Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Structural Members

Abstract

In this chapter, the fire resistance requirements for structural components incorporating bio-based fiber-reinforced polymer composites are presented. The factors that are to be accounted for in evaluating the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structural members at elevated temperatures are discussed. In addition, the various steps associated with evaluating the fire resistance, both experimental and numerical, are outlined. The application of a numerical procedure for evaluating the fire performance of a typical bio-based FRP-strengthened concrete beam is illustrated through a case study. It is shown that the fire resistance of the bio-based FRP-strengthened beam can be much lower than a similar concrete beam strengthened using conventional glass- or carbon-based FRP. Further, it is shown that the fire resistance of bio-based FRP-strengthened concrete members can be enhanced through the application of supplementary fire insulation.