Strength properties of concrete and rock materials may be assessed from process of deformation and the principal modes of fracture mechanics. This paper presents the experimental results obtained from two novel techniques of measuring mode I and mode II of concrete and rock strength: (1) Homogeneous Direct Tensile Test and (2) Direct Shear Test. The proposed testing arrangements are very simple, practical and reliable as well as rigorous from a mechanics viewpoint. They can both be used as routine tests. It provides simple means for evaluating strength properties of concrete, rock, ceramics, etc. under various conditions of loading (temperature, high confining pressure, immersed conditions) and even in hostile environments.