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An analysis of the initial conditions and of the characteristics of the growth phenomenon of zones affected by an interlaminar defect, near the external surfaces of laminated composite plates subject to compressive load, is presented in this work. In particular, it is analysed the presence of two delaminated zones coaxially positioned on the two opposite sides of the laminate. It is focused the influence of the dependence of the interlaminar adhesion strength on the fracture modes involved in the appearence and in the growth of the delamination damage.