Abstract This article provides a discussion on adhesively bonded joints and elastic-plastic mathematical model for an adhesive in shear. It discusses the design rules for thin bonded structures and reviews computer programs for the highly loaded stepped-lap joints. The article describes the two-dimensional effects associated with load redistribution around flaws and with damage tolerance. The elastic-isotropic geometric stress-concentration factors and empirically established correlation factors of mechanically fastened joints are discussed. The article provides information on the identification of optimal joint proportions for single-row joints, and the design and analysis of the stronger multirow joints, with particular regard to the bearing-bypass interaction.