A fiber reinforced polymer strengthening system containing a concrete or masonry structural member having at least one outer facing surface with at least one groove. The at least one groove contains at least one reinforcing element, where the reinforcing element contains a matrix material having a transition temperature of at least about 120° C. and a plurality of fibers having a tensile strength of at least about 1000 MPa. The groove also contains a binder comprising an inorganic material and is incombustible.