A refractory layer structure includes a plurality of refractory layers stacked on each other. Each of the refractory layers includes refractory bricks. Each of the refractory bricks is formed as a cuboid having a pair of oppositely positioned first diverging sides and a pair of oppositely positioned second diverging sides. The first diverging sides diverge away from each other from a top to a bottom of the refractory bricks. The second diverging sides diverge away from each other from the bottom to the top of the refractory bricks. The first diverging sides and the second diverging sides are connected to each other. Each of the first diverging sides have a first diverging side protrusion projecting from a top surface thereof. Each of the second diverging sides have a second diverging side protrusion projecting from a top surface thereof.

An insulating concrete shell made of refractory cast concrete or refractory tamped concrete for insulating uprights or supporting tubes in a walking beam furnace or pusher-type furnace. The insulating concrete shell is shell-shaped and has a sheet metal strip on the inner side at each end, with which the insulating concrete shell can be fastened to an upright or to a supporting tube. The two sheet metal strips are connected to each other by wires, whereby the two wires are completely embedded in the cast or tamped concrete. A method for manufacturing an insulating concrete shell is also disclosed.

A heat storage device such as a hot blast stove including a heat regeneration checkerwork made of checker bricks, the checkerwork being supported by a support assembly (16). In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the support assembly having a carrier structure made of refractory material and carrier floor also made of refractory material, the carrier floor resting on the carrier structure and being arranged and formed to carry the checker bricks of the checkerwork.