Result Diagrams
After running the analysis, CalcSteel displays internal force diagrams directly on the 3D model. Each diagram type reveals different structural behavior — use them to understand how loads flow through your structure.
Switching Between Diagrams
Use the diagram selector in the bottom toolbar to switch between result types. The active diagram is highlighted. You can also cycle through load combinations to see how each one affects the structure.
Diagram Types
Each diagram has a dedicated guide — theory, how to read it in CalcSteel, and how it feeds the design checks. Click a card to open it.
MzBending Moment — Major Axis (Mz)
Shows the distribution of bending moment about the strong axis. This is typically the most critical diagram for beam design — peaks indicate where the beam is most stressed in flexure.
Use this to check if beams are properly sized and if moment distribution matches your expectations.
Read the full guide →
MyBending Moment — Minor Axis (My)
Bending moment about the weak axis. Usually smaller than Mz, but important for biaxial bending checks and lateral loads.
Check this when your structure has loads in both directions or when verifying lateral-torsional buckling.
Read the full guide →
VyShear Force (Vy)
Transverse shear in the local y direction — the one that accompanies strong-axis bending Mz. Maximum shear typically occurs near supports.
Verify that shear capacity is adequate, especially at connections and near concentrated loads.
Read the full guide →
NAxial Force (N)
Tension and compression forces along the bar axis. Positive values indicate tension, negative values indicate compression.
Critical for column design and truss analysis. Check for buckling in compressed members.
Read the full guide →
δDeformed Shape (δ)
Shows the amplified deformed shape of the structure under load, with the true elastic curve of every bar.
Use this to verify that the structure behaves as expected and to check serviceability limits (maximum deflection).
Read the full guide →
λBuckling Mode (λ)
Result of the Linear Buckling Analysis (LBA): the critical load factor λcr and the shape of the global instability mode.
A fast global stability diagnosis — it complements (does not replace) the per-member buckling checks.
Read the full guide →
Reading Diagram Values
The peak value of each bar is shown in a dark pill at the exact peak position. For values at any other point, use the Probe tool (shortcut K): click along a bar to read the interpolated internal forces and displacements at that exact spot. A vertical slider tunes the drawing amplitude of the active diagram (0.1× to 10×) without changing any numbers.
Sign Convention
Positive axial force (N) means tension, negative means compression. Bending moment diagrams are drawn on the tension side of the bar — the European/Brazilian school — so a sagging beam plots its moment below the axis. Shear forces are positive in the direction of the positive local axis.
Load Combinations
Each diagram shows results for the currently selected load combination. Use the combination selector to switch between ULS (ultimate), SLS (serviceability), and individual load cases. The envelope option shows the critical values across all combinations.