Compressive stress is a type of mechanical stress that occurs when a material is subjected to forces that push or pull it together. This stress is calculated by dividing the force applied to the material by the cross-sectional area over which the force is distributed. It is commonly experienced in materials like concrete and metals when they are compressed in structures such as beams and columns. When a material experiences compressive stress, it tends to shorten in length and may undergo deformation. If the stress exceeds the material's strength, it can lead to failure, such as buckling or crushing. Understanding compressive stress is essential in fields like engineering and construction to ensure the safety and stability of structures.