Load-bearing structures

A load-bearing structure configured to, during operation of the structure, transfer load from a first part of the structure to a second part of the structure via a load path, the component comprising:

• a matrix material;
• a plurality of longitudinal first reinforcing elements embedded in the matrix material, wherein the long axis of each first reinforcing element is substantially aligned with a first direction;
• and
• a plurality of longitudinal second reinforcing elements embedded in the matrix material, wherein the long axis of each second reinforcing element is substantially aligned with a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction;
• wherein the structure has a predefined crack-propagation region configured to control the propagation of a crack in the structure, and wherein the crack-propagation region comprises multiple first reinforcing elements and does not comprise any second reinforcing elements or comprises multiple second reinforcing elements and does not comprise any first reinforcing elements, and
• wherein a region comprising the first reinforcing elements is embedded within a region comprising the second reinforcing elements.