Workability index serves as a measure of the facility with which plastic refractory materials can be rammed, gunned, or vibrated into place.

Workability index is commonly used to control consistency of plastics during manufacture. It has also been found useful for specification acceptance by the consumer.

The workability index determination can provide information for developing a plastic body. When a sample splits under impact at various water contents, it is an indication that the material is “short” or lacking in plasticity.

Determinations on samples that split during impact will be difficult to reproduce. If the sample splits, the measurement is not a true indication of deformation. This should be noted in the report.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the workability index of fireclay and high-alumina plastic refractories by measuring the plastic deformation of a molded test specimen when subjected to impacts.

1.2 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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.