AbstractAn approximate theoretical treatment is given for small compressions of bonded rubber blocks. The component of the compressive force arising from the bonded condition at the loaded surfaces is obtained from a pressure distribution within the block, given by the solution of the corresponding torsion problem. The bending of blocks is treated in a similar way, the pressure distribution in this case being derived from the corresponding bending stress function. The apparent shear of relatively thick blocks is then treated as a combination of shear and bending displacements. The location of an internal rupture and the deformation at which it occurs are also derived from a critical (negative) value of the pressure developed within the block, at which a small cavity increases indefinitely in size. The corresponding critical deformations are calculated for extension and bending displacements. The shear stresses developed at the bonded surfaces under extension, compression or bending displacements are also evaluated.