Introduction and general overview; load types; material properties concepts; discussion on ASTM strength tests of refractory materials; choosing the best refractory for thermomechanical application; static compressive stress-strain data; creep data; thermomechanical aspects of joints; refractory lining hinges; the influence of stress state on the strength of refractories; thermal expansion data; fundamentals of refractory brick arch behaviour; fundamentals of brick lined cylindrical shells; fundamentals of brick dome behaviour; some fundamentals of flat brick linings; tensile fracture; results of investigative studies of various refractory structural systems.