Sign Convention of Plate Element Stresses and Moments

See "Print Specifications " for definitions of the nomenclature used in the following figures.
Mx is the Bending Moment on the local x face and the local x-face is the face perpendicular to the local x-axis.
My is the Bending Moment on the local y face and the local y-face is the face perpendicular to the local y-axis.
Figure 1-21: Sign conventions for plate stresses and moments Figure 1-22: Sign convention for plate bending
Members, plate elements, solid elements and surface elements can all be
part of a single STAAD model. The MEMBER INCIDENCES input must
precede the INCIDENCE input for plates, solids or surfaces. All INCIDENCEs must precede other input such as properties, constants, releases,
loads, etc. The selfweight of the finite elements is converted to joint loads at the connected nodes and is not used as an element pressure
load.