You could use directly modeled extruded solid layers too. They can have orthotropic material properties and orientations assigned (also through keyword edits). Of course, it’s easier to work with composite shells in most cases.
The approach shown there utilizes the compression-only constraint implemented with GAPUNI elements (nonlinear springs similar to contact elements). They resist compression but not tension and this can be used to approximately model pins/bearings too. But you can’t select edges so a 3D solid model would be needed and that’s why I mentioned it in the first place.