摘要：Tensile strength in rock mechanics is a characteristic more frequently determined in the indirect rather than direct way. 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.
