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Interface elements for the simulation of material separation processes and, finally, fracture of structures, have been widely used for several decades. One versatile but nevertheless simple model for the prediction of damage and failure of structures along with interface elements is the cohesive model. Cohesive interfaces are mostly used as lines in twodimensional problems (plane strain or plane stress) or as surfaces in 3D problems. A new issue which is important for the application in the industrial sector is the development of cohesive interfaces for shell elements. The basic foundations of the cohesive model and its implementation as a user element in ABAQUS/Standard will be explained. As a typical industrial application the simulation of a crack in a stiffened plate will be presented, which shows the applicability of the model to crack propagation analyses of thin walled structures and gives a prospect for further improvement of structural integrity assessment.