1) Axial forces act along the length of a member and produce either compression or tension. Eccentric loading produces both axial forces and bending moments.
2) Shear forces represent unbalanced lateral forces across a cross section. Bending moments cause bending and are calculated as the perpendicular distance from the point of interest to the resultant force line.
3) Different types of supports include fixed, pinned, and simple supports. Fixed supports restrain all movement while pinned and simple supports allow for some rotation or vertical movement, respectively.