Which of the test, Tension or Compression, requires a higher capacity testing machine than the other? Explain why?

The Compression test requires High Capacity testing Machine when compared to Tension test because

1. The Compressive Strength of Ductile & Brittle materials are high when compared to Tensile Strength.

2. The one of the reason could be the probability of Crack initiation is high in Tension rather than in compression.

3. The Compression test is performed for Brittle materials such as Concrete & Rock to meet the Design Criteria.

4. As Brittle materials fail suddenly without any yielding it is easy to identify the Ultimate strength in Compression test.

5. As Ductile materials fail after considerable yielding it will undergo plastic deformation in which the plastic deformation can be plotted effectively in a Tension test rather than in compression test.

So to conclude the Compression test requires high capacity testing machine when compared to tension test.