Experimental characterization of the nonlinear thermomechanical behaviour of refractory masonry with dry joints

Refractory linings can withstand severe working conditions and are widely used for the of many high temperature applications, such as steel ladles. Some these built with dry joints. These structures undergo very complex responses in service conditions, making prediction its behaviour a challenging task. To develop robust numerical tools, experimental validation is necessary. The present paper gathers considerable database on mechanical thermomechanical characterization refractory masonry joints (up to 1500 °C). test setups, measurement techniques, specimens, procedures, results large-scale campaign presented. tests help understanding linings. Aspect closure reopening, dimensional shape tolerances bricks, creep stress relaxation investigated. essential developing, calibrating, validating efficient models design optimization