Strength is one of the most widely used parameters for evaluating refractories. Strength can be measured at room temperature or at any temperature for which suitable test equipment exists.

Room temperature (cold) strength (CCS) measurements cannot be used directly to predict service performance, but do provide a good tool for evaluating the degree of bond formation during production. Room temperature testing also indicates the ability of brick to withstand handling and shipping without damage and to withstand abrasion and impact in relatively low-temperature applications. Strength testing at elevated temperatures is valuable in assessing the ability of a material to survive stresses caused by restrained thermal expansion, thermal shock and mechanical loading. Impact and abrasion resistance depend on material strength, as well. It is also common to use high temperature strength numbers to predict resistance to erosion and corrosion by metals and slags, although other properties, such as mineral composition and porosity, may be of equal or greater importance. Two types of strength tests are common. The modulus of rupture (MOR) test measures the flexural (transverse) breaking strength and the crushing strength test measures the compressive strength. Both tests have a version for cold (ambient) temperatures and high (service) temperatures. The cold crushing strength (CCS) and cold modulus of rupture tests are described by ASTM Method C133. In the cold crushing strength test, a sample 41/2” x 41/2” x 21/2” or 3” is loaded at a standard rate using a suitable mechanical testing machine. The load is applied vertically to the 41/2” x 41/2” face of the sample until failure. The crushing strength is calculated by dividing the maximum load supported by the sample over the surface area of the face which receives the load.

Compression platen diameter: 100mm. 

General Sample size: 51mm cubic or cylinder.