See Caesar II manual for LOCAL COORDINATE AXES on pipe elements.

When the SIFs are specified for an intersection, the intersection type is not any more defined/considered (otherwise Caesar II would take effective modulus Ze for branch part, an this is against B31J provisions...).

So, each pipe element from intersection is considered simple pipe element, Caesar II does not know any more that an intersection is there and does does not identify the in-plane and out-plane directions of that intersection.

Therefore, the SIFs are defined in accordance with Caesar II local axes for each pipe element - example: for a vertical pipe element, global X axis al always the IN-PLANE direction...

Depending on the actual intersection orientation with respect to global coordinate axes, it may happen the "conventional" In-Plane and Out-Plane directions of the pipe elements joined to the intersection to be reversed with respect to the actual directions.

So, my advice is go to Caesar II user guide and study the local coordinate rules...graphics representations are required for full understanding...

Regards,