What are the forces that tend to push materials together called?

The forces that tend to push materials together are known as compression. This force occurs when an external load is applied to a material in such a way that it attempts to shrink, squeeze, or press the material together. Compression is a key concept in various fields of engineering and architecture because it influences the design and stability of structures.

For instance, when building columns or walls, they are often designed to withstand compressive forces of the loads above them. This ensures that the material can bear weight without failing. Understanding how materials respond to compressive forces is vital for ensuring the safety and longevity of any structure.

In contrast, tension deals with forces that pull materials apart, shear involves forces that cause parts of a material to slide past each other, and torque refers to twisting forces. Therefore, while all these terms describe different types of forces acting on materials, compression specifically relates to those that push materials together.