Abstract: A laminated composite shell assembly includes composite shells assembled together and having joint bonds connecting the assembly with an external structure and pinch rings assembled to the shells adjacent the joint bonds so as to reinforce the same. The composite shells and pinch rings are cylindrical in configuration and made of layers of graphite-epoxy material having fibers oriented in desired stacking sequences. The shells and pinch rings are concentrically assembled in a desired sequence with some of the shells being adapted to perform a structural load bearing function while others of the shells are adapted to perform a load transfer function and with the pinch rings adapted to perform additional stiffening as well as load redistributing and transfer functions in the regions of the joint bonds between the assembled shells and the external structure.