Question

Compressive strength vs tensile strength

Answer 1

The two basic types of physical stress are compressive stress and tensile stress.

Consider a length of material, be it a stone slab, steel bar, or piece of lumber. If one were to hold each end of the material and squeeze, one would exert compressive force.



Compressive Stress
Credit: Essential Humanities

If, however, one were to pull outward (as though one were trying to stretch the material), one would exert tensile force.



Tensile Stress
Credit: Essential Humanities

Architectural Importance

The compressive and tensile strength of building materials is of primary importance to architects. Consider a simple structure that consists of two postssupporting one beam. Atop the beam is a very heavy weight (e.g. a stone roof) represented by the thick arrows.