Moment distribution is a structural analysis method used to determine the distribution

of moments and shears in a structure. It's commonly employed in the analysis of

statically indeterminate structures. The method was developed by Hardy Cross in the
1930s.

The origin of moment distribution lies in the need to find a method for analyzing
indeterminate structures without relying on complex mathematical solutions. Hardy
Cross introduced this method as a practical and graphical approach to distribute
moments within a structure.

Here's a brief overview of the moment distribution method:

1. Indeterminate Structures: The method is particularly useful for analyzing structures

that are statically indeterminate, meaning that the number of unknown reactions
exceeds the number of available equilibrium equations.
2. Distribution of Moments: The method involves distributing the applied moments at
the supports through the structure in an iterative process. The moments are distributed
in proportion to the flexibility of the members.
3. Procedure:
 Fixed-End Moments (FEM): Initially, fixed-end moments are calculated for each
member assuming the structure is unyielding at the supports.
 Redistribution: Moments are then redistributed at the joints based on the
flexibility of the members, and this process is repeated until the distribution
converges to a consistent set of values.
4. Convergence:
 The iterative process continues until the distribution of moments becomes
consistent, and the structure achieves equilibrium.
5. Advantages:
 The method is relatively straightforward and graphical, making it accessible for
manual calculations without the need for complex mathematical solutions.
 It provides reasonable accuracy for many practical engineering problems.
6. Graphical Representation:
 The method is often represented graphically using diagrams that show the
distribution of moments at various stages of the analysis.