Current cognition of rock tensile strength testing by Brazilian test

Abstract

Tensile strength of intact rock materials has been determined by the indirect method more frequently than by the direct method. This paper presents a historical review of the development of the indirect method called the Brazilian test, comprising the period from 1943 to the present day. It stresses some aspects which are essential for interpreting the results of the Brazilian test due to the different degrees of stress during the testing and the direct method of determining tensile strength. The estimate of the direct tensile strength and the influence of sample saturation on the results of indirect tensile strength testing have been specifically elaborated.