Influence lines (IL) graphically show the effect of a moving unit load on the internal forces in a structure. ILs are curves where the ordinate equals the reaction, shear, or moment from a unit load at that point. ILs are straight for determinate structures but curved for indeterminate structures. The force method is used to determine maximum and minimum values of reactions, shear, and moments due to a moving load by drawing the ILs for each internal force.