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Section 1
1-7
1.5.2 Local Coordinate System
A local coordinate system is associated with each member. Each
axis of the local orthogonal coordinate system is also based on the
right hand rule. Fig. 1.5 shows a beam member with start joint 'i'
and end joint 'j'. The positive direction of the local x-axis is
determined by joining 'i' to 'j' and projecting it in the same
direction. The right hand rule may be applied to obtain the positive
directions of the local y and z axes. The local y and z-axes
coincide with the axes of the two principal moments of inertia. The
local coordinate system is always rectangular.
A wide range of cross-sectional shapes may be specified for
analysis. These include rolled steel shapes, user specified
prismatic shapes etc.. Fig. 1.6 shows local axis system(s) for these
shapes.