To rotate a member to align to a model object

To rotate a member such that its local axis align to a node or is parallel to a pair of nodes, use the following procedure.

Sometimes, it is more appropriate to specify the rotation of a member about its longitudinal axis by referencing existing nodes elsewhere in the structure.

Select one or more members and nodes based on the reference method to use:

Select…	To point either the local y or z axis of the members…
one node	toward that node
two nodes	parallel to a line formed by those two nodes

On the Member ribbon tab, select the Local Axis tool in the Edit group.
Select one of the rotation reference methods from the drop-down list.

Local axis y pointing to a selected node

or
Local axis y parallel to two selected nodes

or
Local axis z pointing to a selected node

or
Local axis z parallel to two selected nodes

The members are oriented as indicated.

Note: This method will calculate a rotation (beta) angle for each member according to the selected reference. These will typically be different for each member selected.