Results of experimental measurements of mechanical and physical characteristics of refractory materials are presented: LTEC, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, dynamic and static elasticity moduli. The study is conducted to select material for the manufacture of a glass furnace arch for solidifying radioactive waste. It is shown that materials of the MKRV-53 and AZS-60SB grades are superior with respect to properties compared with material of the BMKrF grade. The results obtained are used for mathematical modeling of electric furnace arch operating regimes.