Disclosed is a test rig and a method for mechanical load testing of a specimen extending along a longitudinal axis from a first specimen end to a second specimen end and comprising a composite material extending along the longitudinal axis from a first composite end to a second composite end and a primary elongate component extending along the longitudinal axis from a first primary component end to a second primary component end, the first primary component end being the first specimen end, and wherein the composite material encapsulates the primary elongate component along a first interface region extending along the longitudinal axis from the second primary component end to the first composite end. The method comprises applying a load to the specimen resulting in an axial load component and a bending moment being imposed to the specimen.