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.