I am trying to figure out how this question fits into the Structural forum. I have no idea about MSC Patran and I have never dealt with a one dimensional element, so perhaps you would like to enlarge on your question.
I know it is a sister program, but there is not a specific forum for Patran: I am willing to bet my breakfast the engineers in that forum will know the answer, though.
the only way i can make sense of the question is to consider modelling a web/plate (a 2D element) with a cross (X) of rods/beams (1D elements) ... is that what was meant ?
the only reason i can think for doing this is beccause you've got a very, very cheap FEA that only has 1D elements ??