The objectives of the present study are to show how to predict the crack initiation at the terminus of adhesive bonded joints to calculate the crack growth in the adhesive layer using the total strain energy release rate. The crack propagation for ductile adhesives is theoretically estimated using -curve. -curve is determined from static shearing tests of single lap joints. The total strain energy release rate for single lap joints is evaluated using a boundary element analysis. The strength prediction is conducted by means of the R-curve and the total strain energy release rate.The conclusions are summarized as follows; (1) A crack propagation geometry of the bonded structure using ductile adhesive was predicted from the distribution of the total strain energy release rate. (2) The final failure load for lap joints is predicted by the R-curve method based on the fracture mechanics. (3) The final failure load for stiffened plates with a steel L-beam is predicted by the R-curve method based on the fracture mechanics.