You can create moment distribution plots using the Bending Moment Distribution tool (). The plot displayed along the drawn line shows the distribution of bending moment about the axis of the line. The values in the main 2D plot (if any) controlled by the Plot () dialog box have no effect on the moment distribution plot. The integrated moment value shown below the moment distribution plot is the sum of the area of the plot, but does not include the bending moment that is due to axial forces and variations in the centroid elevation of the slab (such as the bending moment caused by axial forces in the web and flanges of a T-beam). You should use design strips and design sections to determine design quantities as they capture both components of the bending moment.

The following figure shows a moment distribution plot for My moments drawn on a contour plot for Mx moments. The distribution plot shows My moments because the line drawn on the plan is parallel to the y-axis. The distribution plot has an integrated value of –657 kip-ft and a peak value of –73.9 kips (or –-73.9 kip-ft/foot). The contour plot values have no effect on the distribution plot values. If you used the Selected Plot Distribution tool () instead of the Bending Moment Distribution tool (), the contour plot and the distribution plot would display the same values.