Ch4 - Moment Distribution

Structural Analysis Chapter 4 – Moment Distribution Method
MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD

Moment Distribution Method is a method for analyzing indeterminate
beams and frames. The method was published in 1932 by Hardy Cross, a
professor of civil engineering at the University of Illinois.
From the 1930s through the 1960s, moment distribution was the most
widely used method for analysis of structures. Since the 1970s, as
computers became increasingly available, the use of the method has
gradually been replaced by computer-oriented matrix methods of structural
analysis.
The development of the moment distribution method has been one of the
most notable advances in structural analysis during the 20th century. The
main reason for its popularity, especially in the pre-computer era, was due to
the fact that it does not require the solution of many simultaneous
equations. Moment distribution is still preferred by some engineers for
analyzing smaller structures, since it provides a better insight into the
behaviour of structures. The method is still useful for checking the results
of the computer analysis.
Sign Convention and Terminology

Sign Convention
Clockwise member end moments are considered positive.
Since a moment at the end of a member must act in the opposite direction on
the adjacent joint, counter-clockwise moments at joints are positive.
(Note: This convention is a sign convention for analysis. It is different from
the sign convention for moment diagrams, which is a sign convention for
design.)
Positive moment: Clockwise on member ends

Counter-clockwise on joints
Page 4 -1
Fixed End Moments (FEMs)
PL
FEM BA 
PL 8 3PL
FEM AB  FEM AB 
8 16
Pa 2b
FEM BA 
L2
Pb 2 a
FEM AB 
L2
P  2 a 2b 
FEM AB  b a  
L2  2 

2PL
FEM BA 
2PL 9
FEM AB 
9 PL
FEM AB 
3
15PL
FEM BA 
15PL 48
FEM AB  45PL
48 FEM AB 
96
wL2
FEM BA 
wL2 12
FEM AB  wL2
12 FEM AB 
8
5wL2
FEM BA 
11wL2 192
FEM AB  9 wL2
192 FEM AB 
128
wL2
FEM BA 
30
wL2 wL2
FEM AB  FEM AB 
20 15
5wL2
FEM BA 
5wL 2 96
FEM AB  5wL2
96 FEM AB 
64
6 EI
6 EI FEM BA 
FEM AB  L2
L2
3EI
FEM AB 
L2
Extracted from Structural Analysis, 3rd Edition, Russell C. Hibbeler.
Page 4 -2
Page 4 -3
Page 4 -4
Basic Assumptions Used
1. All the members of the structure are prismatic (EI does not vary within
a member).
2. All members are primarily subjected to bending. Axial deformations
are ignored.
3. The structural behaviour is linear elastic (i.e. obey Hooke’s Law)
Member Stiffness Factor

Consider the prismatic beam shown, which is free to rotate at end A and
fixed at end B. The relationship between the applied moment M and the
 4 EI 
rotation  at A is given by M    .
 L 
M 
B
A
L
EI = Constant
The bending stiffness or stiffness factor K of a member is defined as the

moment that must be applied at an end of the member to cause a unit
rotation of that end. By setting  = 1 rad., we obtain the member stiffness
factor.
Stiffness factor K = 4EI/L
Distribution Factors (DFs)

When analyzing a structure by the moment distribution method, an
important question that arises is how to distribute a moment applied at a
joint among the various members connected to that joint.
Consider the frame shown on the next page, where an unbalanced moment
occurs when joint E is theoretically unlocked.
Page 4 -5
B B
P P
A E C
C
E A FEM EC FEM CE
D D
(a) (b) Joints A and E assumed fixed

B
 EB
EA E
A C
EC
ED
D
Unbalanced moment
= - FEM EC
(c)
EA = EB = EC = ED
ME = 0 = FEMEC – MEA – MEB – MEC - MED
Moment equilibrium at E requires that

ME = 0 = MEA + MEB + MEC + MED + (FEM)E
where (FEM)E represents the algebraic sum of the FEMs at joint E.
Page 4 -6
The member moments at joint E are in direct proportion to each other by
their stiffness values because all the members undergo the same joint
rotation at E, i.e.
M EA M EB M EC M ED
  
K EA K EB K EC K ED
Substituting the above into the moment equilibrium equation give the
following results:
MEA = [KEA / KE]* FEME = DFEA*FEME

MEB = [KEB / KE]* FEME = DFEB*FEME
MEC = [KEC / KE]* FEME = DFEC*FEME
MED = [KED / KE]* FEME = DFED*FEME
where KE = KEA + KEB + KEC + KED

and DFEA = KEA / KE
DFEB = KEB / KE
DFEC = KEC / KE
DFED = KED / KE
The stiffness ratios given above are referred to as distribution factors. The
resisting moments listed above are also known as distribution moments.
In general, the distribution factor (DF) for a member is equal to the

stiffness factor of the member divided by the total stiffness of the joint.
K
DF 
K
The sum of the DFs at a joint is always equal to 1.0
It is also useful to note that distribution factors can be computed from the
relative stiffnesses of the members. It is not necessary to use the absolute
stiffness values.
Page 4 -7
Carry-over Moment and Carry-over Factor
The moment MBA induced at the fixed end B of member AB by a moment M
acting at A is called a carry-over moment.
M BA= M/2
M 
B
A
L
EI = Constant
The carry-over moment is half the magnitude of the acting moment and
has the same sign as the acting moment.
The ratio of the induced moment to the applied moment is called the
carry-over factor (COF). For prismatic members, the carry-over factor is
1 1
equal to . (i.e. COF = )
2 2
Basic Concepts of the Moment Distribution Method
The moment distribution method is a step-by-step procedure for calculating

the end moments in members of indeterminate beams and frames. The
method is based on the idea that the sum of moments in members framing
into a joint must equal zero because the joint is in equilibrium.
First, all the joints in the structure are assumed to be fixed and the external
loads are applied – given rise to fixed-end moments. Next, those joints that
can actually rotate are allowed to do so. This adds moments to the fixed-end
moments according to the relative stiffnesses of the members. Thirdly, the
carry-over effects of the added moments on the opposite end of each
member are considered. The final moments will be the sum of all the above
moments.
Page 4 -8
Carrying out moment distribution procedure requires the use of
(a) Fixed-end moments (FEMs)
(b) Distribution factors (DFs)
(c) Carry-over moments or carry-over factor (COs or COF)
(d) A sign convention must be adopted.
Introduction to the Moment Distribution Method
Consider the two-span continuous beam in the figure below. The beam will
deflect as shown by the dotted line and develop the end moments MAB, MBA,
MBC and MCB, which are to be determined.
8 kN
A B C
10m 10m 10m
A B
B C
M BC M CB
M AB M BA
(a) Actual Structure
8 kN Locking moment
A B C
10m 10m 10m
20
A B B C
B
20 20 20
(b) Structure with all joints locked
Page 4 -9
unlocking moment
A B C
10m 10m 10m
20
13.3
A B
B B C
6.7 6.7 13.3 6.7
3.3
(c) Unlocking of joint B
Fixed end moment = PL/8 = 8*20/8 = 20 kNm

Locking moment applied at joint B = 20 kNm (clockwise)
Unlocking moment applied at joint B = 20 kNm (counter-clockwise)
First of all, we assume the beam to be fixed at all joints as in figure (b). This
gives rise to fixed end moment of 20 kNm at both ends of member AB and
makes it necessary to apply an artificial moment of 20 kNm to joint B. This
external moment, called a locking moment, is required to prevent joint B
from rotating.
As joint B is free to rotate in the actual structure, we have to apply an

unlocking moment to remove the external moment. The unlocking moment
is equal and opposite to the locking moment. For equilibrium at joint B, the
unlocking moment must be balanced by moments applied to the joint by
members AB and BC. (in other words, when joint B rotates, the rotation is
resisted by the members framing into the joint). The magnitudes of these
resisting moments are proportional to the stiffnesses (4EI/L) of the
members. Therefore the moment in member BC (13.33 kNm) is twice that
of the moment in member AB (6.67 kNm).
The rotation of joint B induces moments NOT ONLY at B BUT ALSO at A

and C. The moment induced at A due to the rotation at B is called a
carry-over moment (3.33 kNm), it is half that of the member end moment at
B (6.67 kNm) and has the same direction.
The final moments in the actual structure are obtained by adding the
Page 4 -10
member moments produced by the unlocking process to the fixed end
moments.
MAB = 20 + 3.3 = 23.3 kNm

MBA = 20 – 6.7 = 13.3 kNm
MBC = 0 + 13.3 = 13.3 kNm
MCB = 0 + 6.7 = 6.7 kNm
In carrying out the moment distribution process for an actual structure, it is

not necessary to consider both the member moments and the joint moments
as in this example. It is adequate to calculate only the moments that act on
the ends of the members.
Page 4 -11
ANALYSIS OF CONTINUOUS BEAMS
(BY MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD)
1. Calculate the relative stiffness (I/L or EI/L) of each member.
2. Calculate the distribution factors at each joint that can rotate.

(a) The distribution factor for a member end is computed by dividing
the relative stiffness of the member by the sum of the relative
stiffnesses of all the members connected to the joint.
(b) The sum of all distribution factors at a joint must equal 1.
3. Find the fixed end moments for the member ends

(clockwise fixed end moments are considered to be positive.)
4. Find the balancing moments at each joint required to provide

equilibrium.
(a) At each joint, evaluate the unbalanced moments.
(b) Distribute the balancing moments to the members connected to
the joint according to the distribution factors.
5. Carry over one-half of each distributed moment to the opposite end of

the member.
(a) A carry-over moment has the same sign as the distributed
moment.
(b) There is no carry-over from fixed support.
6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the unbalanced moments are acceptably small
or until all the free joints are balanced.
7. Determine the final member end moments by summing up the fixed

end moment and all the distributed and carry-over moments at each
member end.
8. Self-check: The final moments must satisfy equilibrium at all the

joints.
Page 4 -12
Calculate the Support Reactions
After the member end moments have been found, support reactions may be
found as follows:
(1) Member end shears may be found by considering the equilibrium of
each member of the structure.
(2) Support reactions may be found by considering the equilibrium of
each joint of the structure.
Draw the Shear Force Diagram

Having calculated the support reactions, draw the shear force diagram from
the left hand side to right hand side following the loading direction as in the
determinate beams. Locate the positions of the zero shear force as these
points will be the positions for the maximum or minimum bending
moments.
Draw the Bending Moment Diagram

The member end moments will be the support moments. As for the span
moments, determine the positions of the zero shear force and hence
calculate the span moments by the methods of “free body diagram” or “the
area of shear force diagram”.
Page 4 -13
Example 1
Analyze the 2-span beam shown below by moment distribution method. EI
is constant for both spans.
40 kN
4.5 kN/m
A D B C
2m 2m 8m
Solution:
1. Calculate the distribution factors at all joints that are free to rotate, i.e.
joint B.
K I /4 2 I /8 1
DFBA  BA   , DFBC  
K B  I / 4  I / 8  3 (3I / 8) 3
2. Assuming all joints to be locked, the fixed end moments are calculated.
PL 40 * 4
FEM AB     20 kNm, FEMBA  20 kNm
8 8
wL2 4 .5 * 8 2
FEM BC     24 kNm, FEM CB  24 kNm
12 12
3. Begin the actual moment distribution process.
Joint A B C
Member AB BA BC CB
DF --- 2/3 1/3 ---
1 FEM -20 20 -24 24
Dist. --- 2.67 1.33 ---
2 CO 1.34 --- --- 0.67
Dist. --- --- --- ---
Final Mt. -18.66 22.67 -22.67 24.67
Page 4 -14
4. The final moment at the end of each member is obtained by adding the
moments developed during each of the preceding steps.
40 kN
4.5 kN/m
18.66 22.67 22.67 24.67
19 D 21 B C
A B 17.75 18.25
21 17.75
22.67 B 22.67
38.75
5. Shear forces can be determined by considering the equilibrium of the

members.
Consider member AB,

Take moment about B,
VAB * 4 + 22.67 – 18.66 – 40*2 = 0
 VAB = 19 kN
Y = 0, VAB + VBA – 40 = 0
 VBA = 21 kN
Consider member BC,

Take moment about C,
VBC * 8 + 24.67 – 22.67 – 4.5*8*4 = 0
 VBC = 17.75 kN
Y = 0, VBC + VCB – 4.5*8 = 0

 VCB = 18.25 kN
Consider joint B,
Y = 0, VBA + VBC – VB = 0
VB = 21 + 17.75 = 38.75 kN
Page 4 -15
Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams
19 3.944 m
19
17.75
C
A D B
-21 -21 -18.25
Shear Force (kN)
-22.67 -24.67
-18.66
D
A B C
12.33
19.34
Bending Moment (kNm)
Page 4 -16
Example 2
Analyze the 2-span beam shown below by moment distribution method. EI
is constant for both spans.
5 kN/m
A EI B EI C
6m 9m
Solution:
Distribution Factors: Stiffness of member BA = 4EI/6 = 0.667EI

Stiffness of member BC = 4EI/9 = 0.444EI
0 .667EI
DFBA   0.60 , DFBC  1  0 .6  0 .4
( 0 .667  0 .444 )EI
Fixed End Moments:

wl 2 5 * 62
For member AB: FEM AB    15 kNm
12 12
wl 2 5 * 6 2
FEM BA    15 kNm
12 12
wl 2 5 * 92
For member BC: FEM BC    33.75 kNm
12 12
wl 2 5 * 9 2
FEM CB    33.75 kNm
12 12
Page 4 -17
Moment Distribution:
Joint A B C
Member AB BA BC CB
DF --- 0.6 0.4 ---
1 FEM -15 15 -33.75 33.75
Dist. --- 11.25 7.5 ---
2 CO 5.625 --- --- 3.75
Dist. --- --- --- ---
Final Mt. -9.375 26.25 -26.25 37.5
5kN/m 5kN/m
9.375 26.25 37.5 C
A 26.25
A B B C
12.1875 12.1875 17.8125 17.8125 21.25 23.75 23.75
B 21.25
39.0625
21.25
Shear Force (kN)
12.1875
A C
B
2.4375m -17.8125 4.25m

-23.75
-37.5
-26.25
-9.375
A B C
5.4785
18.9
Page 4 -18
Example 3A: - (More than One Joint can Rotate)
Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam shown.
20 kN 20 kN
8 kN/m
A E B C F D
3m 3m 6m 3m 3m
EI constant
K 1 1 1 Comment:
K / K 0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0
Lock all joints FEM -15 15 -24 24 -15 15 Locking joint B requires
moment of –9 as enclosed by
dashed line.
Unlock joint B DM 4.5 4.5 To eliminate this artificial

moment, apply +9 to joint B.
After the process of
distribution, joint B is in
balanced state.
CO 2.25 2.25 The CO constitutes additional

FEM to the far end.
Unlock joint C DM -5.625 -5.625 Now joint C is subjected to the

total artificial moment of
+11.25 as enclosed by dashed
line. After distributing the
moment of –11.25 to each side
CO -2.813 -2.813 and carry over, joint C is
balanced.
Unlock joint B DM 1.407 1.407
CO 0.704 0.704
Unlock joint C DM -0.352 -0.352
CO -0.176 -0.176
Unlock joint B DM 0.088 0.088 The process of unlocking and
relocking joint B and C
alternatively is continued until
CO 0.044 0.044 The CO is small enough to be
neglected.
Unlock joint C DM -0.022 -0.022
 -12.002 20.995 -20.994 20.999 -20.999 12.011
(kNm)
Page 4 -19
Example 3B: - (More than One Joint can Rotate)
Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam shown by
alternative approach.
20 kN 20 kN
8 kN/m
A E B C F D
3m 3m 6m 3m 3m
EI constant
K 1 1 1
K / K 0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0
FEM -15 15 -24 24 -15 15
DM 4.5 4.5 -4.5 -4.5
CO 2.25 -2.25 2.25 -2.25
DM 1.125 1.125 -1.125 -1.125
CO 0.563 -0.563 0.563 -0.563
DM 0.282 0.282 -0282 -0282
CO 0.141 -0.141 0.141 -0.141
DM 0.071 0.071 -0.071 -0.071
CO 0.036 -0.036 0.036 -0.036
DM 0.018 0.018 -0.018 -0.018
 (kNm) -12.01 20.996 -20.994 20.994 -20.996 12.01
Page 4 -20
Example 4
Determine the member moments and construct a bending moment diagram
for the structure.
Part a:- Method 1
20 kN 40 kN 5 kN/m
A E B F C D
EI 2EI EI
4m 4m 4m 8m 10m
I/8 2I/12 = I/6 I/10

DF 3/7 4/7 5/8 3/8
FEM -20 20 -71.11 35.56 -41.67 41.67
DM 21.90 29.21
CO 10.95 14.61
DM -5.31 -3.19
CO -2.66 -1.60
DM 1.14 1.52
CO 0.57 0.76
DM -0.48 -0.28
CO -0.24 -0.14
DM 0.10 0.14
CO 0.05 0.07
DM -0.03 -0.04
 -8.43 43.14 -43.14 45.18 -45.18 39.93
Page 4 -21
Part b:- Method 2
20 kN 40 kN 5 kN/m
A E B F C D
EI 2EI EI
4m 4m 4m 8m 10m
I/8 2I/12 = I/6 I/10

DF 3/7 4/7 5/8 3/8
FEM -20 20 -71.11 35.56 -41.67 41.67
DM 21.90 29.21 3.82 2.29
CO 10.95 1.91 14.61 1.15

DM -0.82 -1.09 -9.13 -5.48
CO -0.41 -4.66 -0.55 -2.74

DM 2.00 2.66 0.34 0.21
CO 1.0 0.17 1.33 0.11

DM -0.07 -0.10 -0.83 -0.5
CO -0.04 -0.42 -0.05 -0.25

DM 0.18 0.24 0.03 0.02
CO 0.09 0.02 0.12 0.01

DM -0.08 -0.04
 -8.41 43.19 -43.17 45.17 -45.17 39.95
Page 4 -22
20 kN 40 kN 5 kN/m
8.43 43.14 45.18 39.93
A E B B F C C D
5.66 14.34 26.5 13.5 25.53 24.47
26.5 26.5 25.53
4.894m
5.66 5.66
B D
A E F C
-14.34 -14.34 -13.5

-13.5
-24.47
Shear Force (kN)
-43.14 -45.18
-39.93
-8.43
E F
A B C D
14.21
19.94
62.86
Page 4 -23
Example 5
Analyze the 2-span beam shown by moment distribution. (E is a constant).
60 kN 40 kN
B C
A D E
1.5EI 1.25EI
4m 4m 5m 5m
Solution:
4*1.5EI/8 = 4*1.25EI/10 = 0.5EI

0.75EI
DF 0.6 0.4 1.0
FEM -60 60 -50 50
DM -6 -4 -50
CO -3 -25 -2
DM 15 10 2
CO 7.5 1 5
DM -0.6 -0.4 -5
CO -0.3 -2.5 -0.2
DM 1.5 1.0 0.2

CO 0.75 0.1 0.5
DM -0.06 -0.04 -0.5

CO -0.03 -0.25 -0.02
DM 0.15 0.1 0.02

CO 0.08 0.01 0.05
DM -0.01 0 -0.05
 -55.0 69.98 -69.98 0
Page 4 -24
Modified Stiffness Factor
(For an exterior span simply supported at its exterior end)
When an exterior end of a continuous beam is simply supported, such as the

support C shown below, a considerable amount of work can be saved in the
moment distribution process by using modified stiffness. (You can compare
Example 5 and Example 6). Because support C is not a fixed-end but is free
to rotate, member BC can be treated as a fixed-end member with reduced
stiffness.
C
A B
Member with fixed support at far end

Stiffness Factor K = 4EI/L
Carry-over Moment = M/2
M = (4EI/L)  M BA= M/2


B
A
L
EI = Constant
Member with pin support at far end

Stiffness Factor K = 3EI/L
Carry-over Moment = 0
M = (3EI/L) 
 M=0
B
A
L
EI = Constant
Page 4 -25
Comparing the above, the modified stiffness factor K’ is given by:-
K’ = 3K/4 = 3EI/L
If the far end of an exterior span is pin-supported, the stiffness factor is

modified by multiplying a factor of 3/4 and there is no carry-over moment
to the exterior simple support.
Example 6
Analyze the 2-span beam shown by moment distribution with modified
stiffness factor for the pin-support at C. (E is a constant).
60 kN 40 kN
B C
A D E
1.5EI 1.25EI
4m 4m 5m 5m
Solution:
4*1.5EI/8 = 3*1.25EI/10 = 0.375EI

0.75EI
DF 0.667 0.333 1
FEM -60 60 -50 50
DM -6.67 -3.33 -50

CO -3.33 -25
DM 16.68 8.32
CO 8.34
 -54.99 70.01 -70.01 0
Page 4 -26
Analysis of Continuous Beams (Moment Distribution Method)
Beams with simple supports at the ends (Can Use Modified Stiffness)
Beam with Simple Support Beam with Simple Supports on

on the Right End both Left and Right Ends
1. For continuous beams that are simply supported at one or both ends,
while the foregoing procedure can be used, a lot of work can be saved
by using modified stiffnesses.
2. For spans adjacent to the simple end supports, the modified stiffness is
K’ = 3K/4 i.e. the stiffness of the span is considered 3/4 that of the usual
stiffness factor.
3. When using modified stiffness, there is no carry-over to the simply
supported ends.
4. For beams with simply supported ends, fixed-end moments can be
obtained either from the usual fixed-end moment tables or from the
propped-end moment tables. (The final results should be the same.
However, it usually takes fewer calculation cycles when using the
propped-end tables to obtain the same accuracy.)
Beams with Cantilever Overhangs
1. Structures with overhanging moments are analyzed by replacing the

overhanging span with an equivalent concentrated moment at the
support point.
2. The stiffness of the cantilever portion is NOT considered in calculating

distribution factors.
Page 4 -27
Beams with Support Settlement
Internal forces are generally induced in a statically indeterminate structure
when there is support settlement. These internal forces can be evaluated
through the method of Moment Distribution.
The Moment Distribution procedure with support settlement is the same as

the regular process except that the fixed-end moments include the effects
due to support settlement. The FEMs due to member loads and the FEMs
due to support settlement can be computed separately and then combined.
The FEMs due to support settlement can be evaluated easily. Consider the
prismatic beam below, which has both ends fixed against rotation and where
the right support j undergoes a relative vertical settlement of . The FEMs
that are induced at the member ends are Mij and Mji.
i j

M ji
L
M ij = M ji = - 6EI
L2
3EI
If the joint j is a pinned end, then the FEM at joint i becomes 
L2
i j
M ij

-3EI 
L M ij =
L2
Page 4 -28
Effects of Support Settlements on Rigid Frame Structures
Curvatures, hence bending moments, are induced in a frame because of

differential joint settlement.
Page 4 -29
Example 7
Determine the joint moments for the continuous beam if supports B and C
settle 20 mm and 40 mm respectively. EI = 10000 kNm2. Relative Is are
shown below. E is constant for the continuous beam.
60 kN
25 kN/m
A I B 2I C I D
4m 2m 8m 6m
20mm
40mm
Solution:
Distribution Factors:
I
 
DFBA  6  0.4, DFBC  1  0.4  0.6
 I   2I 
  
6  8 
 2I 
 
DFCB   8   0.6, DFCD  1  0.6  0.4
 I   2I 
  
6  8 
FEMs due to load:
60 * 4 * 2 2 60 * 4 2 * 2
FEM AB    26.7 kNm, FEM BA   53.3 kNm
62 62
25 * 82
FEM CB   133.3 kNm, FEM CD  133.3 kNm
12
Page 4 -30
FEMs due to settlements:
6 EI 6 *10000 * 0.02
FEM AB  FEM BA   2    33.3 kNm
L 62
6 EI 6 * 2 *10000 * 0.02
FEM BC  FEM CB   2    37.5 kNm
L 82
6 EI 6 *10000 * 0.04
FEM CD  FEM DC  2   66.7 kNm
L 62
60 kN
25 kN/m
A I B 2I C I D
4m 2m 8m 6m
I/6 I/4 I/6

DF 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.4
FEM -26.7 53.3 -133.3 133.3 0 0
-33.3 -33.3 -37.5 -37.5 66.7 66.7
-60 20 -170.8 95.8 66.7 66.7
DM 60.32 90.48 -97.5 -65
CO 30.16 -48.75 45.24 -32.5

DM 19.5 29.25 -27.14 -18.1
CO 9.75 -13.57 14.63 -9.05

DM 5.43 8.14 -8.78 -5.85
CO 2.72 -4.39 4.07 -2.93

DM 1.76 2.63 -2.44 -1.63
CO 0.88 -1.22 1.32 -0.82

DM 0.49 0.73 -0.79 -0.53
CO 0.25 -0.40 0.37 -0.27

DM 0.16 0.24 -0.22 -0.15
CO 0.08 -0.11 0.12 -0.08

DM 0.04 0.07 -0.07 -0.05
 -16.16 107.7 -107.7 24.61 -24.61 21.05
Page 4 -31
Example 8
Determine the member end moments of the continuous beam for a 20 mm
settlement of support B. EI = 10000 kNm2.
A B 3EI C D
EI 20mm
2EI
6m 10m 8m
Solution:
Distribution Factors: (Use Modified Stiffness)
 3EI 
 
DFBA   6 
 0.294, DFBC  1  0.294  0.706
 3EI   4 * 3EI 
  
 6   10 
 4 * 3EI 
 
DFCD   10 
 0.615, DFDC  1  0.615  0.385
 3 * 2 EI   4 * 3EI 
  
 8   10 
Fixed End Moments:
3EI 3 *10000 * 0.02

FEM AB  0, FEM BA     16.7 kNm
L2 62
6 EI 6 * 3 *10000 * 0.02
FEM BC  FEM CB    36 kNm
L2 10 2
Page 4 -32
A B 3EI C D
EI 2EI
0.5EI 1.2EI 0.75EI

DF 0 0.294 0.706 0.615 0.385 0
FEM 0 -16.7 36 36
DM -5.67 -13.63 -22.14 -13.86
CO -11.07 -6.82
DM 3.25 7.82 4.19 2.63
CO 2.10 3.91
DM -0.62 -1.48 -2.40 -1.51
CO -1.20 -0.74
DM 0.35 0.85 0.46 0.28
CO 0.23 0.43
DM -0.07 -0.16 -0.26 -0.17
CO -0.13 -0.08
DM 0.04 0.09 0.05 0.03
CO 0.03 0.05
DM -0.01 -0.02 -0.03 -0.02
 0 -19.43 19.43 12.62 -12.62 0
Page 4 -33
Tutorial 4 – Moment Distribution Method
For the beams shown in Q1 to Q6, determine the moments at the member
ends by the moment distribution method. Hence calculate the support
reactions, draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the
beams.
Q1.
40 kN
10 kN/m
A B D C
EI EI
5m 1m 2m
Q2.
40 kN
15 kN/m
B
A E C D
EI EI EI
2m 1m 3m 4m
Q3.
40 kN
20 kN/m
B D C
A
EI EI
6m 2m 2m
Q4.
20 kN 20 kN
15 kN/m
A E B C D
EI EI EI
2m 2m 4m 1.5m
Page 4 -34
Q5.
40 kN 40 kN
50 kNm
A
D B E C
EI EI
3m 3m 4m 2m
Q6.
45 kN 40 kN
15 kN/m
A E B C F D
0.75EI 1.5EI EI
2m 4m 8m 3m 3m
Q7. If the supports B and D of Q6 settle 30 mm and 10 mm respectively, in

addition to the applied loads, draw the shear force and bending
moment diagrams for the beam. Given that EI = 8000 kNm2.
Page 4 -35

Ch4 - Moment Distribution

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Ch4 - Moment Distribution

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Structural Analysis Chapter 4 – Moment Distribution Method

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD

Sign Convention and Terminology

Clockwise member end moments are considered positive.

Positive moment: Clockwise on member ends

Extracted from Structural Analysis, 3rd Edition, Russell C. Hibbeler.

Fixed End Moments (FEMs)

Member Stiffness Factor

The bending stiffness or stiffness factor K of a member is defined as the

Stiffness factor K = 4EI/L

Distribution Factors (DFs)

(a) (b) Joints A and E assumed fixed

EA = EB = EC = ED

ME = 0 = FEMEC – MEA – MEB – MEC - MED

Moment equilibrium at E requires that

MEA = [KEA / KE]* FEME = DFEA*FEME

where KE = KEA + KEB + KEC + KED

In general, the distribution factor (DF) for a member is equal to the

The sum of the DFs at a joint is always equal to 1.0

Basic Concepts of the Moment Distribution Method

The moment distribution method is a step-by-step procedure for calculating

Introduction to the Moment Distribution Method

10m 10m 10m

10m 10m 10m

(b) Structure with all joints locked

10m 10m 10m

(c) Unlocking of joint B

Fixed end moment = PL/8 = 8*20/8 = 20 kNm

As joint B is free to rotate in the actual structure, we have to apply an

The rotation of joint B induces moments NOT ONLY at B BUT ALSO at A

MAB = 20 + 3.3 = 23.3 kNm

In carrying out the moment distribution process for an actual structure, it is

1. Calculate the relative stiffness (I/L or EI/L) of each member.

2. Calculate the distribution factors at each joint that can rotate.

3. Find the fixed end moments for the member ends

4. Find the balancing moments at each joint required to provide

5. Carry over one-half of each distributed moment to the opposite end of

7. Determine the final member end moments by summing up the fixed

8. Self-check: The final moments must satisfy equilibrium at all the

Draw the Shear Force Diagram

Draw the Bending Moment Diagram

3. Begin the actual moment distribution process.

Dist. --- 2.67 1.33 ---

2 CO 1.34 --- --- 0.67

Dist. --- --- --- ---

Final Mt. -18.66 22.67 -22.67 24.67

5. Shear forces can be determined by considering the equilibrium of the

Consider member AB,

Consider member BC,

Y = 0, VBC + VCB – 4.5*8 = 0

Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams

-21 -21 -18.25

Shear Force (kN)

Distribution Factors: Stiffness of member BA = 4EI/6 = 0.667EI

Fixed End Moments:

2.4375m -17.8125 4.25m

Unlock joint B DM 4.5 4.5 To eliminate this artificial

CO 2.25 2.25 The CO constitutes additional

Unlock joint C DM -5.625 -5.625 Now joint C is subjected to the

DM 4.5 4.5 -4.5 -4.5

CO 2.25 -2.25 2.25 -2.25

DM 1.125 1.125 -1.125 -1.125

CO 0.563 -0.563 0.563 -0.563

41.5EI/8 = 41.25EI/10 = 0.5EI

41.5EI/8 = 31.25EI/10 = 0.375EI

3EI 3 10000 0.02