Methods and systems for creating a computerized model representing a layered shell-like structure are disclosed. 2-D reference mesh model and a user-specified definition of a layered shell-like structure are received in a computer system. The 2-D reference mesh model contains a plurality of reference nodes connected by a plurality of 2-D reference elements for representing the layered shell-like structure's mid-plane in the 2-D reference mesh model's thickness direction and the user-specified definition includes the number of layers and each layer's characteristics. A set of new nodal locations along respective reference nodes' normal vectors are calculated according to a set of rules derived from the user-specified definition. New nodes for defining a computerized model that represents the layered shell-like structure are created by reproducing the reference nodes at each corresponding new nodal location. And corresponding finite elements of the computerized model at respective layers are formed according to the user-specified definition.