Abstract： A numerical simulation method considering the effect of bimodularity was proposed for the failure analysis of pinnedjoint composite laminates. Owing to different modulus in tension and compression for composite materials, an appropriate stiffness matrix was chosen according to the stress condition. The onset of damage at each ply was predicted by 3DHashin initiation criterion together with Camanho degradation rule. Three sets of composite laminates with different thicknesses and stacking sequencees were studied. Comparison studies were conducted between experimental results and those obtained from the finite element calculations using bimodular and/or tension modulus. The results show that the finite element model considering the effect of bimodularity can more accurately predict the ultimate failure load of pinnedjoint composite laminates.