Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam 2026 - Free PE Practice Questions and Study Guide

A force that compresses a material is referred to as compression. This type of force acts to reduce the volume or shorten the length of an object, causing the material to deform inward. In the context of structural engineering and material mechanics, understanding compression is essential, as it is a fundamental concept in designing structures that support loads effectively.

Compression is critical in various applications, particularly in columns, beams, and other elements that are subjected to axial loads. When forces push on a material, they create internal stresses that help determine the material's strength and stability under load. This knowledge is vital for ensuring that structures can withstand anticipated loads without failing.

In contrast, other types of forces, such as tension, pull materials apart; shear force causes slippage between layers of a material; and torsion involves twisting forces that can lead to rotational deformation. Knowing the distinctions between these forces is essential in civil engineering to ensure that structures are designed safely and effectively.