G.4.2 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.
The following figures show 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. Note that the local coordinate system is always rectangular.
![](GUID-CD16062C-23F9-4039-AD63-CD57C769AA55-low.png)
When Global-Y is Vertical
![](GUID-502048CB-EC9A-4CEE-AA60-13756D0B7FA8-low.png)
When Global-Z is Vertical (that is, SET Z UP is specified)
A wide range of cross-sectional shapes may be specified for analysis. These include rolled steel shapes, user-specified prismatic shapes etc.. The following table shows local axis system(s) for these shapes.
![]() Wide Flange - ST |
![]() Wide Flange - TB |
![]() Wide Flange - CM |
![]() Angle - ST |
![]() Angle - RA |
![]() Angle - LD (Long legs back-to-back) |
![]() Angle - SD (Short legs back-to-back) |
![]() Wide Flange - T |
![]() Channel - ST |
![]() Channel - D |
![]() Prismatic |
![]() Tube - ST |
Local axis system for various cross sections when global Y axis is vertical
![](GUID-E99674E7-0448-47E4-A498-3AC0F1F86815-low.png)
Labels for the local axes of a single angle as defined in AISC publications.
![]() Wide Flange - ST |
![]() Wide Flange - TB |
![]() Wide Flange - CM |
![]() Angle - LD |
![]() Angle - SD |
![]() Channel - ST |
![]() Wide Flange - T |
![]() Channel - D |
![]() Prismatic |
![]() Tube - ST |
![]() Angle - ST |
![]() Angle - RA |