Internal forces in frame elements do not follow standard right-hand rule sign convention. Instead, the standard internal force sign convention is shown below. This sign convention is standard throughout the industry and is what most (but not all) finite element packages implement.

Note that shear force signs are applicable when looking at the plane in question from the positive side of the orthogonal axis. For example, if you are interested in shear along the local 2-axis, the sign below is applicable when looking at the member in the local 1-2 plane from the positive local 3 side. Conversely, if you are interested in shear along the local 3-axis, the sign below is applicable when looking at the member in the local 1-3 plane from the positive local 2 side.

A positive moment always puts compression on the side of the positive, orthogonal axis. For example, if you are interested in moment about the local 3 axis, it will be positive when there is compression in the section on the positive local 2 side. Conversely, if you are interested in moment about the local 2 axis, it will be positive when there is compression on the positive local 3 side.

Internal Force Sign Convention v2.png