Compression

Definition

Compression is a force that tends to crush adjacent particles of a material together, causing overall shortening in the direction of its action. It is a stress that tends to shorten a member.

Purpose

The purpose of understanding compression is to design structural elements that can withstand compressive forces without failing. This knowledge is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Examples of Use

• Columns in buildings are designed to withstand compression from the loads they support.
• Foundations must be capable of handling the compressive forces from the structure above and the soil below.
• Compression members in trusses and frameworks provide stability and support to the overall structure.

Related Terms

• Tension: A force that tends to elongate or stretch a material.
• Shear: A force that causes parts of a material to slide past each other in opposite directions.
• Buckling: The sudden failure of a compression member due to instability.

Notes

Materials and structures subjected to compression must be carefully designed to prevent failure modes such as crushing, buckling, and fracture. Engineers use principles of mechanics and material science to ensure adequate compression resistance.