<p>The point load test provides an efficient and widely implemented approach for assessing rock strength in field engineering applications. To elucidate the damage-failure mechanisms of rocks under concentrated loading, we devise an enhanced point load test methodology featuring integrated multi-parameter monitoring, which combines acoustic emission techniques with strain gauge instrumentation. Experiments were conducted on sandstone, limestone, and granite to explore the mechanical behavior and failure characteristics of rocks under the influence of size effects, using fractal dimension theory to further clarify their strength failure properties. Experimental results indicate that point load strength decreases as specimen size increases, in line with the well-known rock size effect. Acoustic emission monitoring reveals that acoustic emissions exhibit distinct stages during the failure process, with the energy absorbed during crack propagation accounting for more than 50% of the total energy input in the point load test. Analysis of micro-strain behavior shows a clear correlation with the rock’s compressive stress range, and AE energy is effective in interpreting these micro-strain variations. Fractal dimension analysis quantitatively characterizes the irregularity and roughness of rock fracture surfaces. Across different specimen sizes, fractal dimension values show minimal variation, ranging from 1.63 to 1.77. A comparative analysis of the acoustic emission and strain gauge experiment results reveals that variations in AE energy offer a reliable interpretation of the microstrain evolution during point loading. These findings provide valuable AE and micro-strain data for understanding rock damage evolution and help advance research on damage and failure mechanisms in point load testing.</p>