There are no links or threads related to axial compression. I guess your original post ment that it is compressed during use rather than constrution.

It can be either way. The 'during construction' bit is done using compacting hammers and then afterwards it is sanded down again to expose the grain, the pounding can splinter the topmost layer. And after the sanding the floor is nice and smooth, the pounding leaves it somewhat uneven because the wood isn't equal density everywhere.

You can drop a hammer head down on that stuff and it won't even leave a dent.