Compressive Strength. Compressive strength is defined as the maximum compressive load a body can bear prior to failure, divided by its cross sectional area. Ceramics typically have good tensile strengths and are used under compression e.g. concrete.ield strength is defined as the stress at which a material changes from elastic deformation to plastic deformation. Once the this point, known as the yield point is exceeded, the materials will no longer return to its original dimensions after the removal of the stress.