Abstract:PXWAE Acoustic Emission System is useol to investigate the acoustic emission behavior of shale under fourpoint bending test. In these tests, the maximum bending stress, bending strain, acoustic emission hits, acoustic emission energy and etc., are recorded. The results show that when vertical loads impose on the shale sample which has horizontal stratification planes, Kaiser effect does exist under fourpoint bending tests. Kaiser point can be recognized directly from the stress vs. cumulative AE hits curve. But by the impact of shale’s stratifications and local failure during the tests, strain relaxation occur which makes it difficult to determine the Kaiser point only by the strain vs. acoustic emission curve. An accurate conclusion can be achieved by a comprehensive judgment combing with all test data, as well as the failure mode of rock sample. The research on acoustic emission behavior of rock in the stress state during bending tests to some extend can provide guidance to engineering practice for stability monitoring of mine roof or separation layer with acoustic emission monitoring technology.