The potential application of large scale geomechanical testing results to the following five mining/civil engineering problem areas; roof spans, design of rock support-reinforcement systems, design of rock compression members, development/optimization of fragmentation systems, and design of slopes is discussed. It is concluded that such testing does have an application but to be meaningful it must be accompanied by significant field observation measurement programs. The type of testing facility required is not universal but depends upon the problem to be examined.