Abstract: Considering the fact that the design parameters for bolted joint in T800 grade composites are extremely scarce in China, a joint strength prediction strategy substituting the tests was developed to save research time period and cost. This proposed strategy is a combination of the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) and engineering approach. First, in this strength prediction strategy, CDM finite element model for the test specimen was utilized to determine the design parameters for bolted joint structure, such as modified bearing strength parameter for single-lap, composite bolted joint, un-notched laminate tensile strength and stress concentration relief factor. Then, based on these design parameters, an efficient engineering algorithm was established to obtain the ultimate bearing strength of single-lap, composite bolted joints. It can be found that the design parameters and strength estimation results for bolted joint in T800 grade composites based on this strategy show excellent agreement with the test results. This demonstrates the strategy is feasible.