What does the term "compression strength" refer to in soil testing?

The term "compression strength" in soil testing specifically refers to the ability of soil to withstand compressive loads before failing. This characteristic is crucial in evaluating how well a type of soil can support structures built upon it, such as buildings or roads. It involves measuring the maximum load the soil can bear when being compressed, which is a vital aspect in geotechnical engineering and construction.

The context of the term highlights the significance of understanding how soil behaves under load, which is essential for ensuring stability and safety in civil engineering projects. In contrast, understanding resistance to cracking, the rate of erosion, or weight-bearing capacity involves different properties of soil and does not directly define compression strength.