FEA of Strengthened RC Columns with PBO FRCM Exposed to Fire

Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) strengthening system has been the topic of many modern research studies due to its superior performance. FRCM significantly improves the mechanical properties of any structural member without adding considerable weight or size. Several studies have investigated the performance of FRCM in axial, flexure, and shear loading conditions. However, limited studies analyzed the fire performance of FRCM. This paper studies the fire performance of Poly-paraphenylene-ben-zobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM wrapped Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns. Finite element heat transfer analysis is done by using the software package ABAQUS to model five specimens and analyze them. Different FRCM layers are considered for each specimen to study their fire insulation effect by plotting temperature versus time curves. These curves are plotted for the FRCM surface, concrete surface, longitudinal reinforcement, and concrete core. Results indicated the effectiveness of FRCM systems in improving high temperature resistance. Decrease in temperature was observed with the increase in FRCM layers from the nodal temperatures measured. Adding one layer of FRCM decreased the temperature at the concrete surface and core by almost 6%. However, fire proofing efficiency decreased as more layers were added.