Local Axis in ETABS
It’s very strange that ETABS using two deferent way to identify the axis. One of them is the Global Axis, the other one is the Local Axis. The problem is that in the local axis system there is another two deferent ways to identifying them. First one is by numbering the axis, and the other one is by colors. This method of identifying the axis is also used in SAFE and SAP2000. We all know the global axis system which is x,y, and Z. This global axis can be shown all the time on the screen and it not changeable whatever the elements changed. But the local axis is deferent from element to another. In defining a frame in ETABS (See figure below), the software is showing the frame from a top view. And showing that there is two axis which are 2 and 3.
But if we draw this frame as a beam in the plan view and open line local axis option in the display option and show the 3D view. We will find another thing:
We will find that the axis deferent by colors. And if we think about numbering the axis, the numbering will be in this way:
Blue: Axis 3
White: Axis 2
Red: 1
By this way will be able to know which moment you will take in analyzing the beam. While taking M11 means the moment about axis 1 (Red Axis) and M22 means moment about axis 2 (white axis) .. and so on.



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