What is the sign convention

	POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
Axial force

Bending moments
The bending moment is drawn on the tensile side of the member If the upper side (z’ > 0 or y’ > 0) is subjected to tension, the bending moment is positive. If the lower side (z’ < 0 or y’ < 0) is subjected to tension, the bending moment is negative.

Bending moments

The bending moment is drawn on the tensile side of the member

If the upper side (z’ > 0 or y’ > 0) is subjected to tension, the bending moment is positive.
If the lower side (z’ < 0 or y’ < 0) is subjected to tension, the bending moment is negative.

Shear force
The sign of the shear force depends on the variation of the corresponding moment. Ascending curve for the bending moment → shear force is negative Descending curve for the bending moment → shear force is positive

Shear force

The sign of the shear force depends on the variation of the corresponding moment.

Reactions _{(signs for reactions are shown in Diamonds 2020 or newer)}
The sign of the reactions depends on its direction: If the reaction goes in the same direction as the global coordinate system, the sign is positive. If the reaction goes in the opposite direction of the global coordinate system, the sign is negative.

Reactions

_{(signs for reactions are shown in Diamonds 2020 or newer)}

The sign of the reactions depends on its direction:

If the reaction goes in the same direction as the global coordinate system, the sign is positive.
If the reaction goes in the opposite direction of the global coordinate system, the sign is negative.