Compressive stress

For instance, the weight of a building creates compressive stresses in its walls and foundations.

Similarly, when a person stands, the bones in their legs experience compressive stresses due to the weight of the body pushing down.

Compressive stresses can lead to deformation if they are strong enough, potentially causing the object to change shape or, in extreme cases, to break.

Where: σ is the compressive stress, F is the force applied on the object, and A is its cross-sectional area.

However, in long slender elements, such as columns or truss bars, it can occur at a lower stress because of buckling.