Compression Test

 The compression test is conducted in a manner similar to the tensile test, except that the force is compressive.

COMPRESSION TEST

✔ The compression test is conducted in a manner similar to the tensile test, except that the force is compressive.

✔ Since brittle materials are unsuitable for tension test, therefore they are tested for compression.

✔ Brittle materials such as cast iron, concrete, mortar, brick and ceramics are commonly tested in compression.

✔ The compression test is also conducted on a universal testing machine.

1. Testing Procedure

For compression tests, specimens are made of cubical or cylindrical shape to avoid eccentric loading. The specimen to be tested is fitted in between compression plates of the universal testing machine. Now the compression load is gradually applied on the specimen and the corresponding reduction in lengths of the specimen are recorded.

Using the recorded values of loads and their corresponding values of change in length, one can find the various compressive properties in the same manner as that of the tensile test.

Note 

Failure under compressive loading is generally by buckling or by shear along a plane at 45° to the axis of loading.