FIRE PROTECTION OF TIMBER STRUCTURES STRENGTHENED WITH FRP MATERIALS

Abstract

Modern, progressive methods of structures’ strengthening based on the use of compositematerials composed of high strength fibers (carbon, glass, aramid or basalt) and matrices basedon epoxy resins brings, among many indisputable advantages (low weight, high effectiveness,easy application etc.) also some disadvantages. One of the major disadvantages is a low fireresistance of these materials due to the low glass transition temperature Tg of the resin used.Based on an extensive research of strengthening of historic structures with FRP materials [1], thearticle outlines possible approaches to this problem, especially while strengthening timber loadbearingstructures of historic buildings.