Designation: C16 −03 (Reapproved 2025)
Standard Test Method for
Load Testing Refractory Shapes at High Temperatures
1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C16; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resis-
tance to deformation or shear of refractory shapes when
subjected to a specified compressive load at a specified
temperature for a specified time.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2
C862 Practice for Preparing Refractory Concrete Specimens
by Casting
E220 Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By
Comparison Techniques
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
3
Direct-Load Type Furnace (Oil or Gas Fired, or Electrically
Fired); Lever-Load Type Furnace
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The ability of refractory shapes to withstand prescribed
loads at elevated temperatures is a measure of the high-
temperature service potential of the material. By definition,
refractory shapes must resist change due to high temperature,
and the ability to withstand deformation or shape change when
subjected to significant loading at elevated temperatures is
clearly demonstrated when refractory shapes are subjected to
this test method. The test method is normally run at a
sufficiently high temperature to allow some liquids to form
within the test brick or to cause weakening of the bonding
system. The result is usually a decrease in sample dimension
parallel to the applied load and increase in sample dimensions
perpendicular to the loading direction. Occasionally, shear
fracture can occur. Since the test provides easily measurable
changes in dimensions, prescribed limits can be established,
and the test method has been long used to determine refractory
quality. The test method has often been used in the establish-
ment of written specifications between producers and consum-
ers.
3.2 This test method is not applicable for refractory mate-
rials that are unstable in an oxidizing atmosphere unless means
are provided to protect the specimens.
4. Apparatus
4.1 The apparatus shall consist essentially of a furnace and
a loading device. It may be constructed in accordance with Fig.
1or Fig. 2 or their equivalent.
4
4.1.1 The furnace shall be so constructed that the tempera-
ture is substantially uniform in all parts of the furnace. The
temperature as measured at any point on the surface of the test
specimens shall not differ by more than 10 °F (5.5 °C) during
the holding period of the test or, on test to failure, above
2370 °F (1300 °C). To accomplish this, it may be necessary to
install and adjust baffles within the furnace. A minimum of two
burners shall be used. If difficulty is encountered in following
the low-temperature portion of the schedule (particularly for
silica brick), a dual-burner system is recommended, one to
supply heat for low temperatures and another for the higher
temperatures.
4.2 The temperature shall be measured either with cali-
brated platinum - platinum - rhodium thermocouples,
5,6,7
each
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on
Refractories and is the direct responsibility of C08.01 on Strength.
Current edition approved April 1, 2025. Published April 2025. Originally
approved in 1917. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C16 – 03 (2018). DOI:
10.1520/C0016-03R25.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at www.astm.org/contact. For Annual Book of
ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary
page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
ADJC0016-E-PDF. Original adjunct produced in 1969; digitized in 2017.
4
Digital blueprints of detailed drawings of the furnaces shown in Figs. 1 and 2
are available from ASTM International. Request Adjunct No. ADJC0016-E-PDF.
5
Test Method E220 specifies calibration procedures for thermocouples.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1