How does FRP perform in fires on interior installations?
Strengthening of a Structure Composite Design Guide ACI 440-F states: A Class-A FRP system can be used as long as it is self-extinguishing. A Class-B can be made a Class-A by utilizing ΒΌ gypsum board or coatings. Fire ratings can be misleading. Fire ratings are a timetable calculating the time a person has to leave a burning building. A Class-A fire rating is a measure of how much smoke is produced and how quickly the resin burns. Painted on fire coatings such as in tumescent paints help by swelling and insulating the surface below. The reaction time of a coating and heat deflection of epoxy is far different. For example: heat deflection of Fortress 4020 is 175 degrees and foaming of coatings is around 300 degrees. Most epoxies are self-extinguishing after fire source is removed. FRP is a Reinforced Polymer or plastic. The kind of fibers used play little role in it’s performance in a fire. The fibers maintain their physical properties at high temperatures; they are actually produced at
