Abstract: In order to investigate the dynamic tension strength of rocks, the flattened Brazilian disc specimens were subjected to diametral impact with different projectile speeds by using the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) of 100 mm in diameter where a thin aluminum circular plate was used as a pulse shaper. The strain rate, failure time, failure pattern and the relationship between load and strain during the failure process have been analyzed to get some conclusions about the tensile strength and the elastic modulus of marble at high strain rates. The influence of stress nonuniformities near two flattened ends of specimens on test results was taken into account. Meanwhile, the validity of dynamic split tension tests has been confirmed by the numerical simulation of the dynamic stress distribution in flattened Brazilian disc specimens using the finite element technique.