This work confirms the feasibility of using a three-layer FE model of the aorta. Our data suggest that the relative contribution of intraluminal hypertension to BTAR is lower in the presence of complex loading by tension, torsion and bending. In addition, failure of the aorta is load dependent with bending causing a relatively early primary adventitial failure, while tension and torsion result in a relatively delayed primary intimal failure.