Abstract: A discretely stiffened composite panel formed of multiple layers of cured fibrous material. The panel (46) includes a planar part (38) and a plurality of stringers (36) located in spaced apart positions across the width of the planar part. The stringers terminate before reaching the edge of the planar part of the panel. The panel includes groups of interspersed strips of fibrous material (60, 61) having load bearing characteristics most favorable to carrying the primary axial loading (P) applied to the panel. The strips underlie the stringers and extend beyond the stringers to the edge of the planar part of the panel. The regions between the strips are filled with filler layers (64, 65). The use of groups of strips (60, 61) and filler layers located at the edge of the panel provides a panel having a reinforced, constant thickness edge having improved damage containment characteristics that is easily spliced with no significant loss of strength on the splice area.