The Reference axis serves the precise connection of Beams for clean intersections, and establishes hotspots and edges for selecting, moving and transforming Beams. Its direction determines the beam’s “left” and “right” surfaces for the purpose of applying surfaces in the Model Panel of Beam Settings.
See Beam Model Display.
The direction of the reference axis follows your cursor as you drag it to draw the beam. (To see the arrow on the beam that indicates the axis direction, turn on View > On-Screen View Options > Walls and Beams Reference Lines.)
The reference axis of a selected Beam is shown in a separate color: you can change this color using the “Reference Lines” setting at Options > Work Environment > Selection and Element Information.
In Beam Settings or Beam Info Box, choose one of the nine points to serve as the Beam’s Reference Axis.
Note: Available only if at least one Beam segment has a rectangular or circular cross-section. Not available for complex profiles.
If you modify the Reference axis: the axis stays in place while the Beam moves accordingly.
Display/Hide Reference Axis
Use the Floor Plan and Section panel of Beam Settings. See Symbols.
Optionally, enter a value to offset the Reference Axis from the middle of Beam.
Set a rotation angle for the Beam around its axis.
See also Rotating Beam and Columns.