There are two different classes of 2D elements. The basic 2D element is the normal finite elements used for structural applications included in-plane and/or out-of-plane behaviour. The load panel element is a non-structural element used to apply load to beam elements.
Linear 2D elements can be defined as load panels. A load panel element is not structural and so does not contribute to the stiffness or mass of the structure. The purpose of the load panel is to allow loads to be defined as a face load on 2D elements and then distributed to the beam elements surrounding the 2D element. In many ways face loads on load panels gives an alternative to grid load.
This provides a shortcut way to apply load panel elements to the facade of a structure. The operation consists of
This tool gives a quick route to creating load panels on a surface.