Which construction material is primarily tested in compression due to its lack of tensile strength?

Concrete is primarily tested in compression because it is exceptionally strong under compressive forces but has very little tensile strength. This characteristic makes concrete an ideal material for structural applications such as foundations, beams, and slabs where it will predominantly be subjected to compressive loads.

In construction practices, while concrete can bear significant weight and resist compressive stress, it tends to crack under tension. Therefore, to counteract its weak tensile strength, steel reinforcement bars (rebar) are often integrated into concrete elements to help handle tensile forces and improve the overall structural integrity.

The testing and design for concrete structures focus heavily on its compressive strength, which is typically measured through standardized tests that assess how much force is required to crush concrete specimens. This is crucial for engineers to ensure that structures will perform safely under expected loads during their lifespan.