Should I draw polyarea clockwise or counter-clockwise ?

[thiszjithu]

Through one of these threads I came to know that the Red and Pink colors of shell elements denote the direction in which local 3 axis is aligned. So when I am creating a slab element which color should come on top surface? And when I am making a Shear Wall model which color should come on outer surface? What is the fundamental principle behind this?

 

[SteeliestFire55]

The vertical orientation (3 axis) can be changed manually after creation (Assign>Area>Reverse Local 3). There doesn't seem to be a 'correct' way of doing it as long as you are consistent. Being consistent is of more importance (the way you draw your nodes and trying to do it the same every time). The significance is that when dividing areas, SAP2000 uses the node numbers instead of 1 and 2 local axes directions and this can make meshing easier.

Keep the local 3 axis direction in mind when applying surface pressures, and when outputting stresses.

 

[thiszjithu]

thank you!