It is possible to display local axis systems for lines, members, surfaces, and solids. The selection of the display is available in the Display tab of the Project Navigator, for example.
For surfaces, the X and Y axis fit in the plane of the surface, and the Z axis is perpendicular to it. The direction of the local Z axis for a surface is not dependent on the global direction of the Z axis.
For members, the X axis is located along the member by default, and the Y and Z axes are perpendicular to it. For most of the sections, the Z axis is located along the stronger axis of inertia of an element.
The local axis system can be reversed by using the option in the shortcut menu of the given element, or in the case of surfaces, with the element options of the specific axes.
