Method for applying a reinforced
composite material, such as a fibre reinforced
polymer (FRP) laminate or a steel reinforced
polymer (SRP) laminate or a steel reinforced
grout (SRG) composite, to a structural member. The method comprises the steps of: applying a curable
adhesive to a surface of the structural member and / or a surface of the reinforced
composite material, and bringing said surfaces into contact. A pre-stressing force, Pmax, is directly or indirectly applied to the reinforced
composite material. The pre-stressing force, Pmax, to which a treatment length, LT, of the reinforced composite material is subjected is then decreased so that the reinforced composite material along the treatment length, LT, will be less pre-stressed than the reinforced composite material adjacent to the treatment length, LT, when the
adhesive has cured.