methods and apparatus are provided for constructing refractory structures , e . g ., glass furnace regenerator structures and / or glass furnace structures formed of refractory components , the refractory structure being housed within a building having a roof support elements . cross - support beams are provided to latitudinally span the refractory structure and are suspended from roof support elements associated with the building housing the refractory structure by a suspension support system attached to the cross - support beams . an overhead crane assembly may thus be supported by the cross - support beams .