Designation: C 133 – 97 (Reapproved 2003)

Standard Test Methods for

Cold Crushing Strength and Modulus of Rupture of
Refractories1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 133; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 3.3 Considerable care must be used to compare the results

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the cold of different determinations of the cold crushing strength or
crushing strength and the modulus of rupture (MOR) of dried modulus of rupture. The specimen size and shape, the nature of
or fired refractory shapes of all types. the specimen faces (that is, as-formed, sawed, or ground), the
1.2 The test methods appear in the following sections: orientation of those faces during testing, the loading geometry,
Test Method Sections
and the rate of load application, may all significantly affect the
numerical results obtained. Comparisons of the results between
Cold Crushing Strength 4 to 9 different determinations should not be made if one or more of
Modulus of Rupture 10 to 15
these parameters differ between the two determinations.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3.4 The relative ratio of the largest grain size to the smallest
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for specimen dimension may significantly affect the numerical
information only. results. For example, smaller, cut specimens containing large
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the grains may present different results than the bricks from which
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the they were cut. Under no circumstances should 6- by 1- by 1-in.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- (152- by 25- by 25-mm) specimens be prepared and tested for
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- materials containing grains with a maximum grain dimension
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. exceeding 0.25 in. (6.4 mm).
3.5 This test method is useful for research and development,
2. Referenced Documents engineering application and design, manufacturing process
2.1 ASTM Standards: control, and for developing purchasing specifications.
C 862 Practice for Preparing Refractory Concrete Speci-
mens by Casting2 COLD CRUSHING STRENGTH
C 1054 Practice for Pressing and Drying Refractory Plastic
4. Apparatus
and Ramming Mix Specimens2
E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines3 4.1 Testing Machine—Any form of standard mechanical or
hydraulic compression testing machine conforming to the
3. Significance and Use requirements of Practices E 4 may be used.
3.1 The cold strength of a refractory material is an indica- NOTE 1—For low-strength materials (such as insulating bricks or
tion of its suitability for use in refractory construction. (It is not castables), a sensitivity of 20 lbf (67 kN) or less is required. The use of a
a measure of performance at elevated temperatures.) hydraulic testing machine is also preferred over the mechanical type for
3.2 These test methods are for determining the room tem- these materials.
perature flexural strength in 3-point bending (cold modulus of 4.2 Spherical Bearing Block—The plane surface of the
rupture) or compressive strength (cold crushing strength), or spherical bearing block (see Fig. 1) shall have an area which is
both, for all refractory products. equal to or greater than the cross section of the test specimen.
5. Test Specimens
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C08 on 5.1 Brick and Shapes (bulk density greater than 100 lb/ft3
Refractories and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C08.01 on Strength. (1.60 g/cm3))—The test specimens shall be 2-in. (51-mm)
Current edition approved April 10, 2003. Published July 2003. Originally
approved in 1937. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as C 133 – 97.
cubes or cylinders, 2 in. (51 mm) in diameter by 2 in. (51 mm)
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.01. high. The height should be parallel to the original direction of
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01. pressing of the brick or shape. In the case of special shapes,

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 C 133 – 97 (2003)
NOTE 2—For relatively weak specimens like insulating castables or
insulating firebricks, a minimum sample size of ten specimens is pre-
ferred.
6.2 Brick and Shapes—Place a cellulose fiber wall board
(for example, Masonite4) 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) in thickness and
extending 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) or more beyond the edges of the
loaded faces of the specimen. Apply the load parallel to the
direction in which the brick was originally pressed.
6.3 Regular and High Strength Castables—Place a cellulose
fiber wall board 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) in thickness and extending
0.5 in. (12.7 mm) or more beyond the edges of the loaded faces
of the specimen. Apply the load on the 2- by 2-in. (51- by
51-mm) or 2-in. (51-mm) diameter face and perpendicular to
the depth of the specimen as originally cast or gunned.
6.4 Insulating Brick or Shapes—Apply the load directly to
the 41⁄2- by 41⁄2-in. (114- by 114-mm) surface of the test
FIG. 1 Recommended Design for Crushing Test Assembly, specimen.
Including Bearing Block 6.5 Insulating Castables (typical bulk density of 100 lb/ft3
(1.60 g/cm3), or greater than 45 % total porosity, or both)—
only one specimen shall be cut from a single shape and as Apply the load directly to the 2- by 2-in. (51- by 51-mm) face
many of the original surfaces as possible shall be preserved. In and perpendicular to the depth of the specimen as originally
preparing specimens from irregular or large refractory shapes, cast or gunned.
any method involving the use of abrasives, such as a high- 6.6 Use the bearing block on top of the test specimen, and
speed abrasion wheel, core drill, or rubbing bed, that will position it so that the center of the sphere is in alignment with
produce a specimen with approximately plane and parallel the vertical axis of the specimen (see Fig. 1). Keep the
sides without weakening the structure of the specimen may be spherical bearing block thoroughly lubricated to ensure accu-
used. rate adjustment which may be made by hand under a small
5.2 Insulating Brick or Shapes (typical bulk density of 100 initial load for each specimen.
lb/ft3 (1.60 g/cm3), or greater than 45 % total porosity, or NOTE 3—The spherical bearing block may not be necessary on test
both)—The test specimens shall be 41⁄2 by 41⁄2 by 21⁄2 or 3 in. machines having mechanical linkages which ensure that the stress applied
(114 by 114 by 64 or 76 mm), each taken from a different brick. is colinear with the axis of the specimen.
It is permissible to prepare these specimens from the half-brick 6.7 For dense refractories with sufficient strength to require
resulting from the modulus of rupture test (see Sections 10-15). greater than about 3 min per test, initial loading to one-half of
The selected compression test section shall be free of cracks, the anticipated failure load may be accomplished at any
chipped surfaces, and other obvious defects. The test surfaces convenient rate exceeding the specified rate. Subsequently,
shall be approximately parallel planes. each specimen shall be crushed with a compressive load
5.3 Castable Refractories—The test specimens shall be 2- applied at the standard rates specified in Table 1. The rates shall
by 2- by 2-in. (51- by 51- by 51-mm) cubes or cylinders 2 in. not vary by more than 610 % of the specified rate for the type
(51 mm) in diameter by 2 in. (51 mm) high, prepared by of refractory being tested.
casting or gunning. It is permissible to prepare one specimen 6.8 When using a mechanical testing machine, keep the
from each 9- by 2- by 2-in. (230- by 51- by 51-mm) bar after balance beam in a constantly floating position.
the modulus of rupture test (see Sections 10-15). The selected 6.9 Specimens are loaded, as specified, to failure. Failure is
compression test section shall be free of cracks, chipped defined as the collapse of the specimen (failure to support the
surfaces, and other obvious defects. The loaded surfaces shall load), or the reduction of the specimen height to 90 % of its
be approximately parallel planes. All samples must be dried at original value. The maximum applied load is recorded.
220 to 230°F (105 to 110°C) for 18 h (overnight). Upon
removal from the oven, allow the sample to cool naturally until 7. Calculation
cool to the touch. Complete testing within 2 h of removal from 7.1 Calculate the cold crushing strength using Eq 1:
the drying oven. (See Practices C 862 and C 1054.)
S 5 W/A (1)
6. Procedure
6.1 At least five specimens from an equivalent number of
refractory shapes compose a sample. 4
Masonite has been found satisfactory for this purpose.

2
 C 133 – 97 (2003)
TABLE 1 Standard Loading Rates for Cold Crushing Strength

Stress Rate,
Loaded Cross Loaded Area, in.2 Loading Rate, Strain Rate,A
Refractory Type Size, in. (mm) lbf/in.2/min
Section, in. (mm) mm2) lbf/min (kN/min) in./min (mm/min)
(MPa/min)
Refractory Brick and Shapes
Density >100 lb/ft3 (>1.60 gm/cm3), or 23232 232 4 1750B 7000B 0.05B
<45 % true porosity, or both (51 3 51 3 51) (51 3 51) (2601) (12) (31.2) (1.3)
(Includes regular or high strength castables 2 diameter 3 2 2, diameter 3.14 1750B 5500B 0.05B
and fired plastic or rammed refractories) (51 diameter 3 51) (51, diameter) (2027) (12) (24.3) (1.3)
Insulating Refractories
Density <100 lb/ft3 (<1.60 gm/cm3), or 4.5 3 4.5 3 2.5C,D 4.5 3 4.5 20.25 435 8809 0.05
>45 % true porosity, or both (114 3 114 3 64) (114 3 114) (13 064) (3) (39) (1.3)
(Includes dried, unfired plastic or rammed 4.5 3 4.5 3 3C,D 4.5 3 4.5 20.25 435 8809 0.05
refractories) (114 3 114 3 76) (114 3 114) (13 064) (3) (39) (1.3)
2 3 2 3 2D,E 232 4 435 1740 0.05
(51 3 51 3 51) (51 3 51) (2601) (3) (7.80) (1.3)
2 diameter 3 2E 2, diameter 3.14 435 1367 0.05
(51 diameter 3 51) (51, diameter) (2027) (3) (6.08) (1.3)
A
Where possible, loading at a constant stress rate is preferable to constant strain rate loading.
B
For dense refractory brick and shapes requiring more than a 3-min test duration, specimens may be loaded to one half of the anticipated fracture strength at any
convenient rate exceeding that specified.
C
These sizes are preferred for insulating firebricks.
D
These pieces may be cut from broken halves of MOR specimens.
E
These sizes are preferred for insulating castables.

where: MODULUS OF RUPTURE

S = cold crushing strength, lbf/in.2 (MPa), 10. Apparatus

W = total maximum load indicated by the testing machine, 10.1 Testing Machine—Any form of standard mechanical or
lbf (N), and hydraulic compression testing machine conforming to the
A = average of the areas of the top and bottom of the requirements of Practices E 4 may be used.
specimen perpendicular to the line of application of
NOTE 4—Properly calibrated portable apparatus may be used.
the load, in.2 (mm2).
10.2 Bearing Surfaces, that shall have a radius of curvature
8. Report of 5⁄8 in. (16 mm) or be cylindrical pieces 11⁄4-in. (32-mm) in
diameter. For 6- by 1- by 1-in. (152- by 25- by 25-mm)
8.1 Report the following: specimens, the radius of curvature shall be 3⁄16 in. (5 mm) or
8.1.1 Designation of the materials tested (that is, manufac- cylindrical pieces 3⁄8 in. (10 mm) in diameter. All such bearing
turer, brand, description, lot number, etc.); surfaces shall be straight and of a length at least equal to the
8.1.2 Specimen configuration, including size, shape, loca- width of the test specimen. The supporting members for the
tion in the original brick or shape, the character of the faces lower bearing surfaces shall be constructed so as to provide a
(that is, cut, drilled, as-pressed, as-cast, etc.), and the specimen means for the alignment of the bearing surfaces with the under
orientation during testing; surface of the test specimen because the test brick may have a
longitudinal twist. Apparatus of the design shown in Fig. 2 is
8.1.3 Pretreatment, if any, given to the test pieces (for
recommended, although other types may be used, provided
example, curing, firing, coking, etc.);
they conform to these requirements. A satisfactory alternative
8.1.4 Number of specimens in a sample; design is shown in Fig. 3.
8.1.5 Individual specimen dimensions, the maximum ap-
plied load, and the calculated cold crushing strength for each 11. Test Specimens
specimen (see 7.1); 11.1 Brick and Shapes (bulk density greater than 100 lb/ft3
8.1.6 Mean cold crushing strength and standard deviation (1.60 g/cm3)—The preferred test specimens shall be standard
for each sample. 9- by 41⁄2- by 21⁄2- or 3-in. (228- by 114- by 64- or 76-mm)
bricks, or specimens of equivalent size ground or cut from
9. Precision and Bias refractory shapes. In the case of special shapes, only one
specimen shall be cut from a single shape. As many original
9.1 Precision—The precision of this test method is currently surfaces as possible shall be preserved. Where brick sizes are
being investigated. impossible or impracticable, alternative specimen sizes of 9 by
9.2 Bias—No justifiable statement can be made on the bias 2 by 2 in. (228 by 51 by 51 mm) or 6 by 1 by 1 in. (152 by 25
of the test method for measuring the cold crushing strength of by 25 mm) may be prepared. In preparing specimens from
refractories, because the value of cold crushing strength can be irregular or larger shapes, any method involving the use of
defined only in terms of a test method. abrasives, such as a high-speed abrasion wheel or rubbing bed,

3
 C 133 – 97 (2003)

NOTE—The dimensions appearing in Fig. 2 are in inches. See table below for metric equivalents.
in. mm in. mm
⁄
3 16 5 11⁄2 38
⁄
14 6 2 51
3⁄8 10 3 76
1⁄2 13 4 102
5⁄8 16 41⁄2 114
3⁄4 19 5 127
1 25 7 178
11⁄4 32 12 305

FIG. 2 Recommended Design of Bearing Cylinders for Modulus of Rupture Test

12. Procedure
12.1 At least five specimens from an equivalent number of
refractory shapes compose a sample.
NOTE 5—For relatively weak specimens like insulating refractories, a
minimum sample size of ten specimens is preferred.

12.2 Place a test specimen flat on the bearing cylinders with

a span as specified in Table 2 and with the load applied at
mid-span. Whenever possible, use an original, unbranded
surface of a brick or shape as the tension face, that is, the face
NOTE—The dimensions appearing in Fig. 3 are in inches. See table
included with Fig. 2 for metric equivalents. in contact with the two bottom bearing cylinders. For castable
FIG. 3 Alternative Design of Bearing Cylinders for Modulus of pieces, the depth dimension of the specimen as originally cast
Rupture Test or gunned is horizontal; that is, the top surface of the casting or
gunned sample becomes a side of the properly oriented test
specimen.
that will produce a specimen with approximately plane and 12.3 Each specimen shall be broken at mid-span in flexure
parallel sides without weakening the structure may be used. with a loading applied according to the standard loading rates
11.2 Insulating Brick or Shapes (typical bulk density of 100 given in Table 2. For high-strength materials requiring longer
lb/ft3 (1.60 g/cm3), or total porosity greater than 45 %, or than about 3 min to perform a test, initial loading to one half of
both)—The test specimens shall be whole brick measuring 9 by the anticipated failure load may be accomplished at any
41⁄2 by 21⁄2 or 3 in. (228 by 114 by 64 or 76 mm), or specimens convenient rate exceeding the specified rate. Subsequently, the
of equivalent size cut from larger shapes. specimens should be loaded at the standard rate specified in
11.3 Castable Refractories—The test specimens shall be 9- Table 2. The rates shall not vary more than 610 % from the
by 2- by 2-in. (228- by 51- by 51-mm) bars prepared by casting stated rate for the type of refractory being tested. The maxi-
or gunning. The top and bottom, and the side faces, respec- mum applied load is recorded.
tively, shall be approximately parallel planes. All samples must
12.4 When using a mechanical testing machine, keep the
be dried at 220 to 230°F (105 to 110°C) for 18 h (overnight).
balance beam in a constantly floating position.
Upon removal from the oven, allow the sample to cool
naturally until cool to the touch. Complete testing within 2 h of
13. Calculation
removal from the drying oven. (See Practices C 862 and
C 1054.) 13.1 Calculate the modulus of rupture using Eq 2:

4
 C 133 – 97 (2003)
TABLE 2 Standard Loading Rates for Modulus of Rupture

Stress Rate,
Specimen Size, Cross Section, Loading Rate, Strain Rate,A
Refractory Type Span, in. (mm) lbf/in.2/min
in. (mm) in. (mm) lbf/min (kN/min) in./min (mm/min)
(MPa/min)
Refractory Brick and Shapes
Density >100 lb/ft3 (>1.60 g/cm3) or <45 % 9 3 4.5 3 2.5B 4.5 3 2.5 7 1305 3496 0.05
porosity, or both (228 3 114 3 64) (114 3 64) (178) (9) (15.55) (1.3)
(Includes regular or high-strength castables 9 3 4.5 3 3B 4.5 3 3 7 1305 5034 0.05
and fired plastic or rammed refractories) (228 3 114 3 76) (114 3 76) (178) (9) (22.39) (1.3)
9 3 2 3 2C 232 7 1305 994 0.05
(228 3 51 3 51) (51 3 51) (178) (9) (4.42) (1.3)
63131 131 5 1305 174 0.05
(152 3 25 3 25) (25 3 25) (127) (9) (0.774) (1.3)
Insulating Refractories
3 3
Density <100 lb/ft (<1.60 g/cm ), or >45 % 9 3 4.5 3 2.5
B
4.5 3 2.5 7 435 1165 0.05
true porosity, or both (228 3 114 3 64) (114 3 64) (178) (3) (5.18) (1.3)
(Includes dried, unfired plastic or rammed 9 3 4.5 3 3B 4.5 3 3 7 435 1678 0.05
refractories) (228 3 114 3 76) (114 3 76) (178) (3) (7.46) (1.3)
9 3 2 3 2C 232 7 435 331 0.05
(228 3 51 3 51) (51 3 51) (178) (3) (1.47) (1.3)
A
Where possible, loading at a constant stress rate is preferable to constant strain rate loading.
B
Preferred sizes for bricks and shapes. Required sizes for firebricks.
C
Preferred size for all castables.

MOR 5 3PL/2bd2 (2) 15. Precision and Bias

15.1 Interlaboratory Test Data—An interlaboratory study
where: was completed among eight laboratories in 1995. Four differ-
ent types of refractories were tested for cold crushing strength
MOR = modulus of rupture, lbf/in.2 (MPa), and cold modulus of rupture by each laboratory. The four types
P = maximum applied at rupture, lbf (N), of refractories were a dense firebrick, an insulating firebrick, a
L = span between supports, in. (mm), dense castable, and an insulating castable. The dimensions of
b = breadth or width of specimen, in. (mm), and the firebricks were 9 3 4.5 3 2.5 in., and the dimensions of the
d = depth of specimen, in. (mm). castables were 9 3 2 3 2 in. Before testing, bulk density and
sonic velocity were measured on all refractory bricks to ensure
14. Report
uniformity. Refractory bricks were then randomly selected for
14.1 Report the following: distribution to the participating laboratories.
14.1.1 Designation of the materials tested (that is, manufac-
15.2 Precision—Table 3 and Table 4 contain the precision
turer, brand, description, lot number, etc.);
statistics for the cold crushing strength and cold modulus of
14.1.2 Specimen configuration, including size, location in
the original brick or shape, the character of the faces (that is, rupture results, respectively.
cut, ground, as-pressed, as-cast, etc.), the specimen orientation 15.2.1 Repeatability—The maximum permissible differ-
during testing, and the load span; ence due to test error between two test results obtained by one
14.1.3 Pretreatment, if any, given to the test pieces (for operator on the same material using the same test equipment is
example, curing, firing, coking, etc.); given by the repeatability interval (r) and the relative repeat-
14.1.4 Number of specimens in a sample; ability interval (% r). The 95 % intervals are given in Table 3
14.1.5 Individual specimen dimensions, the maximum ap- and Table 4. Two test results that do not differ by more than the
plied load, the location of the fracture plane, and the calculated repeatability interval will be considered to be from the same
modulus of rupture for each specimen (see 13.1); population; conversely, two test results that do differ by more
14.1.6 Mean modulus of rupture and standard deviation for than the repeatability interval will be considered to be from
each sample. different populations.

TABLE 3 Precision Statistics for Cold Crushing Strength

Standard Standard Coefficient of Coefficient of
Reproducibility
Deviation Deviation Repeatability Variation Variation Relative Relative
Material Average, psi Within Between Interval, Within Between Repeatability, Reproducibility,
Interval,
Laboratories, Laboratories, r Laboratories, Laboratories, %r %R
R
Sr SR Vr VR
Dense Firebrick 8995 392.1 1445.1 1098 4046.2 4.36 16.06 12.2 45
Insulating FirebrickA 135 2.8 8.7 8 24.3 2.11 6.45 5.9 18.1
Dense Castable 5580 144.6 465 404.8 1301.9 2.59 8.33 7.3 23.3
Insulating Castable 640 11.8 76.9 33 215.3 1.84 12.01 5.2 33.6
A
Only seven laboratories participated in this test.

5
 C 133 – 97 (2003)
TABLE 4 Precision Statistics for Cold Modulus of Rupture
Standard Standard Coefficient of Coefficient of
Deviation Deviation Repeatability Reproducibility Variation Variation Relative Relative
Material Average, psi Within Between Interval, Interval, Within Between Repeatability, Reproducibility,
Laboratories, Laboratories, r R Laboratories, Laboratories, %r %R
Sr SR Vr VR
Dense Firebrick 1853 69.8 263.4 195.5 737.5 3.77 14.21 10.5 39.8
Insulating FirebrickA 120 2.3 16.6 6.5 46.5 1.94 13.86 5.4 38.8
Dense Castable 810 25.1 59.3 70.4 166.1 3.1 7.33 8.7 20.5
Insulating Castable 193 6.6 22.9 18.6 64 3.43 11.83 9.6 33.1
A
Only seven laboratories participated in this test.

15.2.2 Reproducibility—The maximum permissible differ- 15.3 Bias—No justifiable statement can be made on the bias
ence due to test error between two test results obtained by two of the test method for measuring the modulus of rupture of
operators in different laboratories on the same material using refractories because the value of the modulus of rupture can be
the same test equipment is given by the reproducibility interval defined only in terms of a test method.
(R) and the relative reproducibility interval (% R). The 95 %
reproducibility intervals are given in Table 3 and Table 4. Two 16. Keywords
test results that do not differ by more than the reproducibility
interval will be considered to be from the same population; 16.1 crushing strength; modulus of rupture; monolithic
conversely, two test results that do differ by more than the refractories; refractory brick; room temperature
reproducibility interval will be considered to be from different
populations.

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