Compressive strength testing service

Compressive Strength Testing Service – Accredited ISO/IEC 17025 Mechanical Testing for the Colombian Market

Compressive strength is a fundamental mechanical property that measures the ability of a material or component to withstand axial loads without failure. This parameter is critical for a wide range of materials, including concrete, mortar, bricks, ceramics, metals, plastics, composites, and wood, used in construction, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, and oil and gas applications. In the Colombian market, where the Norma Sismorresistente (NSR-10), the Instituto Nacional de Vías (Invías), the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), the Ministerio de Minas y Energía (MinMinas), and the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) impose strict quality and safety standards for construction materials and industrial components, the accurate evaluation of compressive strength is essential for product certification, quality control in manufacturing, structural design validation, and import-export processes. Our laboratory offers a comprehensive compressive strength testing service, applying standardized methods that determine the maximum compressive load, the compressive stress at failure, the modulus of elasticity, and the deformation behavior of a wide range of materials under controlled loading conditions. All tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 (CNAS) accreditation, and the resulting reports are fully accepted by Colombian authorities, making them indispensable for regulatory compliance, project approval, and market access in Colombia.

Test Samples We Regularly Test

Our laboratory receives a wide variety of materials and components for compressive strength testing. Typical samples include:

• Concrete cylinders and cubes – of various sizes (100 mm × 200 mm, 150 mm × 300 mm, 100 mm cubes) and different curing ages (7, 14, 28, and 56 days), for structural concrete applications.
• Mortar and grout specimens – for masonry, bedding, and repair applications.
• Clay bricks, concrete blocks, and paving stones – for construction and paving projects.
• Metals and alloys – cylindrical or prismatic specimens of steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, and their alloys, for industrial and structural applications.
• Plastics and polymers – cylindrical or block specimens of PE, PP, PVC, ABS, polyamide, and composites, for mechanical design and quality control.
• Ceramics, tiles, and refractory materials – for construction, kilns, and high-temperature applications.
• Wood and engineered wood products – blocks or cubes of timber, plywood, MDF, and laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
• Composite materials and sandwich panels – for aerospace, automotive, and construction applications.
• Prototype and new material formulations – submitted by manufacturers for validation of compressive strength before series production.
• Samples extracted from field structures (cores) – for in-situ strength evaluation of existing concrete or masonry structures.

Compressive Strength Testing for Concrete, Mortar, and Construction Materials

Concrete and mortar are the most commonly tested materials for compressive strength in the Colombian construction sector, in compliance with the NSR-10 and Invías specifications. Our testing procedures follow international standards and the local requirements, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

• Concrete cylinder compressive strength test (ASTM C39 / ISO 1920-4 / NTC 4032) – concrete cylinders (typically 150 mm × 300 mm or 100 mm × 200 mm) are capped with sulfur mortar or neoprene pads to ensure a uniform load distribution. The cylinder is placed in a compression testing machine and loaded at a constant rate (0.15 to 0.35 MPa/s) until failure. The maximum load is recorded, and the compressive strength (in MPa) is calculated by dividing the load by the cross-sectional area. We report the compressive strength, the failure mode (e.g., cone, columnar, shear), and the average strength of a set of at least three cylinders.
• Concrete cube compressive strength test (ASTM C109 / ISO 1920-4 / NTC 4033) – concrete cubes (100 mm, 150 mm, or 200 mm) are tested in a similar manner. The cube compressive strength (in MPa) is calculated, and the result is corrected for the size effect (if applicable). We report the cube strength and the failure mode.
• Mortar compressive strength test (ASTM C109 / NTC 4034) – mortar cubes (50 mm × 50 mm × 50 mm) are prepared from a standard mix (1:2.75 cement-sand ratio) and cured for 7 or 28 days. The cubes are tested in compression, and the compressive strength (in MPa) is reported. This test is critical for quality control in masonry and plastering works.
• Concrete core compressive strength test (ASTM C42 / NTC 4035 – for existing structures) – cylindrical cores (typically 50 mm to 100 mm diameter) are extracted from the existing structure using a diamond core drill. The cores are capped and tested in compression. The compressive strength is calculated, and the result is corrected for length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) and for the presence of reinforcing steel. We report the core compressive strength and the correction factors applied.
• Compressive strength of bricks and concrete blocks (ASTM C67 / NTC 4036) – whole bricks or blocks are tested in compression, with the load applied to the bed face (the surface parallel to the mortar bed). The compressive strength (in MPa) is calculated based on the gross area of the brick. We report the compressive strength and the failure mode.
• Compressive strength at elevated temperature (NTC 4037 – for refractory and fire-resistant materials) – the compression test is performed at 200 °C, 500 °C, or 1000 °C using a furnace attached to the testing machine, to evaluate the residual strength of the material at high temperatures.

Compressive Strength Testing for Metals and Alloys

Metals and alloys are tested for compressive strength to validate their use in structural frames, columns, bearings, and other load-bearing applications. Our methods follow international standards and the requirements of the Colombian mining and industrial sectors.

• Compressive strength test for metals (ASTM E9 / ISO 7500 / NTC 2151) – cylindrical or prismatic specimens of metallic materials are tested in compression, with the load applied at a constant strain rate (0.1 to 1 mm/min). The test continues until the specimen fails (fracture) or until a specified deformation (e.g., 10 % strain) is reached. We measure the yield strength (in MPa), the compressive strength (maximum stress, in MPa), and the modulus of elasticity (in GPa). We report the stress-strain curve, the yield strength, the ultimate compressive strength, and the failure mode (e.g., buckling, barreling, or shear).
• Compressive strength of aluminum and aluminum alloys (ASTM B557 / NTC 2152) – similar to the steel test, but with specific requirements for the specimen geometry and the testing rate. We report the compressive strength, yield strength, and elongation.
• Compressive strength of bearing metals and sintered materials (ASTM B438 / NTC 2153 – for powder metallurgy parts) – for porous or sintered metals, we test cylindrical specimens in compression and measure the compressive strength, the modulus of elasticity, and the deformation at the specified load. We report the compressive strength and the porosity effect on strength.
• Compressive strength at elevated temperature (ASTM E21 / NTC 2154 – for high-temperature alloys) – for alloys used in gas turbines, boilers, or engines, we perform the compression test at 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C. We report the reduction in strength with increasing temperature.
• Compressive creep test (ASTM E139 / NTC 2155 – for metals under sustained load) – the specimen is subjected to a constant compressive load (typically 50 % of the yield strength) at a controlled temperature (e.g., 300 °C), and the deformation is recorded over time (up to 1000 hours). We report the creep strain and the creep rate.

Compressive Strength Testing for Plastics, Polymers, and Composites

Plastics and composites are increasingly used in structural and semi-structural applications in the automotive, construction, and consumer goods sectors. Our compressive strength tests for these materials follow international standards and the requirements of the SIC and MinMinas for quality control and certification.

• Compressive strength test for plastics (ASTM D695 / ISO 604 / NTC 3854) – cylindrical or prismatic specimens of thermoplastic or thermosetting materials are tested in compression at a rate of 1.3 mm/min. The test is performed until the specimen yields or fractures. We measure the compressive yield strength (in MPa), the compressive modulus (in GPa), and the deformation at yield. We report the stress-strain curve and the yield characteristics.
• Compressive strength of foams and cellular plastics (ASTM D1621 / ISO 844 / NTC 3855) – specimens of rigid foam (e.g., polyurethane, polystyrene) are tested in compression. The test is performed at a rate of 2.5 mm/min until the foam is compressed to 10 % of its original thickness. We report the compressive stress at 10 % deformation (in MPa) and the compressive modulus. This test is important for insulating materials and packaging.
• Compressive strength of composite laminates (ASTM D6641 / ISO 14126 / NTC 3856 – for fiber-reinforced polymers) – rectangular specimens of carbon or glass fiber composites are tested in compression, using a special fixture (e.g., the ASTM D6641 fixture) to prevent buckling. We report the compressive strength (in MPa), the compressive modulus (in GPa), and the failure mode (e.g., crushing, delamination, or shear).
• Compressive strength of rubber and elastomers (ASTM D575 / ISO 7743 / NTC 3857) – cylindrical specimens of rubber are tested in compression. The test is performed at a rate of 1 mm/min until the specimen is compressed to 25 % of its original height. We report the compressive stress at 25 % deflection (in MPa) and the modulus of elasticity.
• Compressive strength at elevated and low temperature (NTC 3858 – for temperature-sensitive materials) – the compression test is performed at -10 °C, 23 °C, and 60 °C to evaluate the effect of temperature on the compressive strength of plastics and composites, which is relevant for products used in diverse Colombian climates.

Compressive Strength Testing for Ceramics, Refractories, and Advanced Materials

Ceramics, refractories, and advanced materials are used in high-temperature, abrasive, and corrosive environments. Our compressive strength tests for these materials are essential for the certification of products used in the cement, glass, steel, and petrochemical industries in Colombia.

• • Compressive strength of refractory bricks and ceramics (ASTM C133 / ISO 10059 / NTC 3900) – cylindrical or prismatic specimens of refractory bricks are tested in compression at room temperature or at the service temperature (e.g., 800 °C). The test is performed at a rate of 0.5 to 1 MPa/s. We report the compressive strength (in MPa) and the failure mode.
  • Compressive strength of advanced ceramics (ASTM C1424 / ISO 14704 / NTC 3901) – for fine-grained advanced ceramics (alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide), we test cylindrical or prismatic specimens with polished ends. The test is performed at a rate of 1 to 2 MPa/s. We report the compressive strength, the modulus of elasticity, and the Weibull modulus (if a sufficient number of specimens is tested).
  • Compressive creep of refractories (ASTM C832 / NTC 3902) – the specimen is subjected to a constant compressive load (typically 0.1 to 0.2 MPa) at a high temperature (e.g., 1200 °C), and the deformation is measured over time. We report the creep strain and the creep rate at the specified temperature.
  • Compressive strength after thermal shock (NTC 3903 – thermal shock resistance) – the ceramic sample is subjected to a thermal shock (heating to 1000 °C and quenching in water) and then tested in compression to evaluate the loss of strength. We report the residual compressive strength and the percentage of strength loss.
  • Compressive strength of graphite and carbon materials (ASTM C695 / NTC 3904) – cylindrical specimens of graphite are tested in compression at a rate of 1 MPa/s. We report the compressive strength, the modulus of elasticity, and the failure mode.

Complementary Tests – Modulus of Elasticity, Poissons Ratio, and Creep

In addition to the compressive strength, we also measure the modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus), Poisson's ratio, and creep behavior, which are essential for structural design and finite element analysis. These parameters are required by the NSR-10 and Invías for the structural design of concrete and masonry.

• Modulus of elasticity measurement (ASTM E111 / NTC 3910 – for metals; ASTM C469 / NTC 3911 – for concrete) – during the compression test, we measure the strain (using extensometers or strain gauges) at two or more stress levels within the elastic range, and calculate the modulus of elasticity (in GPa). We report the modulus of elasticity and the stress-strain curve in the elastic region.
• Poisson's ratio measurement (ASTM E132 / NTC 3912 – for metals and plastics) – using strain gauges mounted both axially and transversely on the specimen, we measure the axial strain and the transverse strain during the compression test, and we calculate Poisson's ratio (ν). We report the Poisson's ratio.
• Creep test under compression (ASTM E139 / NTC 3913 – for concrete and metals) – for materials subjected to sustained loads, we apply a constant compressive stress (typically 30‑50 % of the ultimate compressive strength) for a specified period (e.g., 28 days for concrete), and we measure the creep strain. We report the creep coefficient and the creep strain versus time.
• Relaxation test (NTC 3914 – stress relaxation under compression) – the specimen is compressed to a specified strain (e.g., 1 % strain), and the decay of the compressive stress over time is recorded. We report the stress relaxation curve and the relaxation modulus.
• Dynamic modulus of elasticity (ASTM E1876 / NTC 3915 – by resonant frequency method) – for concrete and ceramics, we measure the dynamic modulus of elasticity using the resonant frequency method (non-destructive), and we correlate it with the static modulus of elasticity obtained from the compression test. We report the dynamic modulus and the comparison with the static modulus.

Test Report and Recognition in the Colombian Construction and Industrial Sector

All procedures described are within the scope of our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, with testing machines calibrated periodically using certified load cells and extensometers, and traceability to international standards (NIST, PTB). Our test reports are issued in Spanish and include:

• Full identification of the sample (material type, dimensions, curing conditions, age, manufacturer, lot number, and source).
• Detailed description of the test method applied (ASTM/ISO/NTC standard, loading rate, conditioning, and test conditions).
• Numerical results: compressive strength (MPa), yield strength (MPa), modulus of elasticity (GPa), Poisson's ratio, creep coefficient, and failure mode.
• Graphical data: stress-strain curves, creep curves, and relaxation curves.
• Comparative tables against the values specified by the client or against the limits of the NSR-10, Invías, NTC 4032 (Concrete), NTC 2151 (Metals), NTC 3854 (Plastics), and the requirements of the SIC, MinMinas, and DIAN for product certification.
• Photographs of the specimen before and after testing, showing the failure mode (e.g., cone failure, shear failure, or barreling).
• Recommendations for design optimization, material selection, and quality improvement to achieve the required compressive strength.
• Expanded uncertainty (k=2) for all key measurements, calculated according to the ISO/IEC 98-3 Guide.

These reports are fully accepted by the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) for product registration and quality certification, by the Ministerio de Vivienda, Ciudad y Territorio and the Instituto Nacional de Vías (Invías) for the approval of construction materials and structural designs, by the Ministerio de Minas y Energía (MinMinas) for materials used in mining and energy infrastructure, and by the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) for tariff classification and quality verification in the import of construction and industrial materials. Additionally, we offer consulting services for the design of concrete mixes, the optimization of material compositions, and the implementation of quality control programs for compressive strength, contributing to the safety, durability, and competitiveness of construction and industrial projects in the diverse and demanding Colombian market, from the urban high-rises to the rural infrastructure and mining developments.