Druckgrenzen

Druckgrenze is a term used in materials science and structural engineering to describe the maximum compressive stress that a material or component can withstand before yielding, permanent deformation or failure occurs. The concept is related to, but not always identical with, the compressive strength or the yield strength under compression. In many materials, especially metals, ductile behavior means the compressive yield strength is close to or similar to the tensile yield strength, while for brittle materials the relationship can differ significantly.

In practice, the Druckgrenze is determined through compression tests in which a specimen is loaded axially or uniformly in compression until deformation or failure occurs. For design purposes, engineers distinguish between the onset of yielding (the yield point under compression) and the ultimate compressive strength (the maximum stress the material can sustain). Materials may also fail by crushing or buckling before reaching a simple yield point, particularly in slender members or concrete and ceramics.

The concept is important across applications such as pressure vessels, structural elements, concrete construction, wood, and composite materials. Standards and codes specify appropriate compressive properties and safety factors for design. The term is often used interchangeably with compressive strength in common language, but technically it emphasizes the limit behavior under compression rather than solely the stress capacity.