Abstract This study investigates the influence of several material properties underlying the failure mechanism of high-strength concrete (HSC) under uniaxial compression. An experimental-numerical characterization of a single inclusion block (SIB) – an idealized composite comprising of a granite cylindrical core embedded within a high-strength mortar (HSM) matrix – is first carried out. Parametric studies are next conducted with the calibrated SIB model, to identify the critical parameters governing the failure of the idealized composite. The qualitative understanding obtained from the SIB is then utilized to design a series of experiments, exploring the extent of influence of the identified critical parameters on the compressive strength of HSC. Complementary experimental data in literature are also examined. For the range of specimens considered, it is found that the lateral strain capacity of mortar matrix has the most influence on the compressive strength of HSC.