The four point bending flexural test provides values for the modulus of elasticity in bending, flexural stress ,flexural strain and the flexural stress-strain response of the material. This test is very similar to the three point bending flexural test. The major difference being that the addition of a 4th bearing brings a much larger portion of the beam to the maximum stress, as opposed to only the material right under the central bearing.

This difference is of prime importance when studying brittle materials, where the number and severity of flaws exposed to the maximum stress is directly related to the flexural strength and crack initiation.

It is one of the most widely used apparatus to characterize fatigue and flexural stiffness of asphalt mixtures.

Four point flexural testing fixtures have two base supports and two top loading points. There are two types of 4 point bend tests based on where the load contact points are on the sample. The first type divides the sample into three parts and the loading points are placed at 1/3(L) apart. The second test splits the sample into four parts and the two top points are at 1/4(L) and 3/4(L).