Additive manufacture-assisted method for making structural elements having controlled failure characteristics

A process for making a layered multi-material structural element having controlled mechanical failure characteristics, the process comprising the steps of:

• supplying a first cementitious layer having a first thickness;
• forming a polymer layer having a three-dimensional shape and a second thickness on the first cementitious layer by additive manufacture;
• wherein the polymer layer comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer is a liquid crystal elastomer;
• wherein the first cementitious layer comprises a cementitious material;
• and
• subjecting the polymer layer to a stimulus causing the three-dimensional shape of the polymer layer to expand into the first cementitious layer, wherein the stimulus is selected from the group consisting of a temperature change, electric field, magnetic field, radiation, and any combination of the same.