On the output, loads are referred to as Positive or Negative. A Positive load is a downward acting load while a Negative load is an upward acting load. For simple span beams, Positive loads create beam reactions that become Positive loads on the supporting members. However, Positive loads on a cantilever create uplift on the backspan support, the reaction of which becomes a Negative load on the supporting member. Negative loads only occur as a result of cantilevered beams or from user‑defined negative loads. The Program keeps track of Positive and Negative loads independently.

On the output, moments and reactions are labeled Maximum Positive and Maximum Negative. If there is no Negative value, it is listed as 0.0 or not shown at all. If there is no Positive value, it is listed as 0.0 or not shown.

See Design Loads , Design Loads for more information on skip loading on columns. See the RAM Steel Beam manual for more information on skip loading on beams.