What equipment is primarily used to conduct a compressive strength test?

The equipment primarily used to conduct a compressive strength test is the compression testing machine. This machine specifically measures the ability of concrete to withstand axial loads before failure, which is crucial for determining the material's strength. The test typically involves placing a concrete specimen, usually in the shape of a cylinder or cube, into the machine. The machine then applies a controlled load until the specimen fails, measuring the maximum load applied to the specimen. The results are used to calculate the compressive strength of the concrete mix.

The other options serve different purposes in the concrete testing and construction process. A vibrating table is used to consolidate concrete mixes without air pockets but does not measure strength. A concrete mixer is essential for preparing concrete mixtures but has no role in strength testing. A moisture meter helps assess the moisture content of materials but is unrelated to measuring compressive strength. Therefore, the compression testing machine is the only suitable choice for conducting a compressive strength test.