original_query: What are shear and bending moment diagrams used for in structural design?
query: What are shear and bending moment diagrams used for in structural design?
answer: Shear and bending moment diagrams are analytical tools used in structural analysis to determine shear force and bending moment at any point of a structural element.  This helps determine the type, size, and material of structural members to support loads without failure. They are also used to calculate beam deflection.