Abstract: Test investigation enforcing bearing load was occupied on GLARE36/5 laminates. The bearing damage progressive and ultimate failure modes of GLARE laminates were observed using ultrasonic C-scan, fracture macro photography and scanning electron microscope. Results indicate that the bearing damage of GLARE laminates initially occurred as plastic deformation of aluminium alloy, while in the stage of damage extension, delamination in layer appears and develops due to larger plastic deformation of aluminium alloy and bearing normal stress is mainly carried by 0°fiber. After the buckling and fracture of fiber in 0°ply, the matrix damage and delamination progress rapidly. Finally, bearing failure of the laminates occurres. Bearing progressive damage numerical model was developed, in which bearing failure in GLARE laminates were classified as in-ply failure and inter-ply failure, modelled with Hashin criteria in strain form and cohesive element approach respectively, while considering metal plasticity. This model was used to predict the locations where in-ply damage and delamination occur firstly, the progression of damage, final failure modes and failure loads. The calculation results are in good agreement with test results, meaning that the calculation method is able to simulate the progressive damage of GLARE laminates under bearing load effectively.