compressive strength test

compressive strength test, mechanical test measuring the maximum amount of compressive load a material can bear before fracturing. The test piece, usually in the form of a cube, prism, or cylinder, is compressed between the platens of a compression-testing machine by a gradually applied load. Brittle materials such as rock, brick, cast iron, and concrete may exhibit great compressive strengths; but ultimately they fracture. The crushing strength of concrete, determined by breaking a cube, and...