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