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. Compared to the three-point bending flexural test, there are no shear forces in the four-point bending flexural test in the area between the two loading pins. The four-point bending test is therefore particularly suitable for brittle materials that cannot withstand shear stresses very well.