Compressive Stress Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the compressive stress calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

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Formulas Used

Compressive Stress

comp_stress = f_n / area

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
forceCompressive Force (F)(kN)200
areaCross-Sectional Area (A)(mm^2)2500
f_nDerived value= force * 1000calculated

How It Works

Direct Compressive Stress

Compressive stress develops when a member is pushed axially.

Formula

sigma_c = F / A

The formula is identical to tensile stress, but the member may also need a buckling check if it is slender. Short, stocky members fail by crushing; long, slender members fail by buckling at a load lower than the crushing capacity.

Worked Example

A concrete column with 2500 mm^2 effective area under 200 kN axial load.

force = 200area = 2500
  1. 01Convert force: 200 kN = 200,000 N
  2. 02sigma_c = 200,000 / 2,500 = 80 MPa
  3. 03For 30 MPa concrete, this exceeds capacity. A larger section or higher-strength concrete is needed.

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