SAFETY, HEALTH AND

ENVIRONMENT
COLUMN

BEAM

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Week 2
At the end of this topic, students should be :
1) Able to formulate the member stiffness, distribution factor and
carry-over factor for indeterminate beams.
2) Able to apply the fixed end moments due to external loading and
support settlement.
3) Able to calculate the member end moments and solve the member
end forces for indeterminate beams.
4) Able to draw the shear force diagram, bending moment diagram,
and deflected shape for indeterminate beams.
5) Having technical competency and ability to apply the moment
distribution method in analysis of indeterminate beams.

This chapter consist of:1) Moment distribution of indeterminate beam.

2) Moment distribution of indeterminate non-sway frame.
3) Moment distribution of indeterminate sway frame.

Moment Distribution : Introduction

The method of moment distribution relies on a series of
calculations that are repeated and that with every cycle come
closer to the final situation.
In this way we are able to avoid solving simultaneous
equations. Inspection of the slope-deflection equations shows
us that the final end-moments depend on 4 effects namely, A,
B, AB and the fixed end moments, FEM.
By using moment-distribution we are able to investigate each
effect separately.

Moment Distribution : Basic Concepts

The following beam will be used to illustrate moment-distribution.
1. Rotation is possible at both B and C
2. Rotation at B and C are prevented and
the load is applied. FEM will result. These
are called the initial moments.
3. Allow B to rotate until moment equilibrium
is reached. Rotation at B will induce a
moment at C.
4. Allow C to rotate until moment
equilibrium is reached. The rotation of C
will induce a moment at B.
5. Repeat this process until moment
equilibrium is reached at the nodes.

Assume that the sum of the initial moments at the node B is equal to M0.
Rotation will take place until moment equilibrium is attained, i.e., sum
moments MB = 0.

Therefore:

MDBA + MDBC + Mo = 0

Eqn 3.1

Where MDBA and MDBC are the moments as a result of the rotation at B
(B), and are called the distribution moments.

Remember that all the other rotations and sway are prevented.
Eqn 3.2

In a similar fashion,
Eqn 3.3

But
MDBA + MDBC + Mo = 0
Solve for B

Eqn 3.4

Solve the distribution moments

DF
Eqn 3.5

DF
Eqn 3.6

kBA is the stiffness of the member (Member Stiffness Factor) BA

at the node B. It is also the moment that would be induced if a unit
rotation were applied at B in the member BA and the rotation at A
was zero.
MDBA and MDBC are the distribution moments which depend on the
Distribution Factor, DF at B.

If B rotates a bending moment will be induced at A and C.

Assume a rotation B and calculate the moment at A,
Eqn 3.7

But bear in mind, from Eqn 3.4:

Eqn 3.8

Dividing eqn 3.8 to eqn 3.5 and get ;

MDAB = MDBA
The distributed bending moment is half the value of the distributed
bending moment at B. This is called the Carry-over Factor, CBA = .

The same solution may be obtained if one remembers that the stiffness of a
member is the moment that is induced if a unit rotation is applied at the node.

Member Stiffness Factor (K)

Generally,
For internal member and far-end member fixed at end support;

Example:
KBC = KCB = 4EI/L2

KCD = KDC = 4EI/L3

Modification of the Stiffness Factor

(i) Far-end member pinned or roller at end support;

Example:
KAB = KBA = 3EI/L1

Modification of the Stiffness Factor

(ii) Symmetric beam and loading

The stiffness factor for the center span (BC) is

Modification of the Stiffness Factor

(iii) Symmetric beam with antisymmetric loading

The stiffness factor for the center span (BC) is

Joint Stiffness Factor

Sum of member stiffness factor at one joint;

member

Example:

KB = KBA + KBC

= 3EI/L1 + 4EI/L2

KC = KCB + KCD

= 4EI/L2 + 4EI/L3

Distribution Factor (DF)

Member Stiffness Factor

Joint Stiffness Factor

Example:

DFAB =
DFBA =

3EI/L1

3EI/L1 + 0
3EI/L1

=1

3EI/L1 + 4EI/L2

Do you know?

DFBC =

4EI/L2

DF = 1 for pinned or cantilevered end

3EI/L1 + 4EI/L2

DF = 0 for fixed end

DFCB =

DFCD =
DFDC =

4EI/L2
4EI/L2 + 4EI/L3
4EI/L3
4EI/L2 + 4EI/L3
4EI/L3
4EI/L3 +

=0

Carry-over Factor (CO)

CO =
0.5

CO = 0

CO =
0.5

CO =
0.5

CO = 0.5 for opposite end fixed

CO = 0.0 for opposite end pinned or cantilevered
Example:
member
CO

A to B

B to A

B to C

C to B

C to D

D to C

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

Moment Distribution Procedure

1. Calculate stiffness factors for each member (K).
2. Calculate distribution factors (DF) at both ends of each member.
3. Determine carry-over factors (CO) at both ends of each member.
4. Assume all joints are fixed and calculate fixed-end moments (FEM) for
each member.
5. Balance pinned (to zero) and distribute half the moment to the opposite end.
6. Distribute the unbalanced moments at all other joints to each adjacent member
based on the distribution factor.
7. Carryover the distributed moments to the opposite ends of the each member
using the carryover factors.
8. Iterate steps 6 and 7 until moment imbalance at each joint approaches zero.

Example 1: Moment distribution for beam

Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam.

Solution:
1. Member stiffness factor (K)
KAB = KBA = 4EI/L1
KBC = KCB = 4EI/L2
2. Distribution factor (DF)
for Fixed end support, DF = 0
Joint

Member
K
K

AB

BA

BC

CB

4(2EI)/8 = EI

EI

4(3EI)/8 = 1.5 EI

1.5 EI

EI +

DF = K/K

3. Carry over factor (CO)

for opposite end fixed, CO= 0.5

2.5EI
0.4

1.5 EI +
0.6

4. Fixed End Moment (FEM)

FEMAB = - 20(8)/8 = - 20 kNm

FEMBA = 20 kNm

FEMBC = - 3(8)2/12 = - 16 kNm

FEMCB = 2(8)2/12 = 16 kNm

Moment distribution table:

Joint
Member
DF
FEM (kNm)
Bal & Dist
Co
Bal & Dist
M

AB

BA

BC

CB

0.4

0.6

-20

20

-16

16

-1.6

-2.4

-0.8

-1.2

-20.8

18.4

-18.4

14.8

MAB = -20.8 kNm, MBA = 18.4 kNm, MBC = -18.4 kNm, MCB = 14.8 kNm

Example 2: same as example 1 but support A change to pin

a) Determine all the support reactions and also,
b) Draw shear and bending moment diagrams.

Solution:
1. Member stiffness factor (K)
KAB = KBA = 3EI/L1
KBC = KCB = 4EI/L2
2. Distribution factor (DF)
for pinned end support, DF = 1
for Fixed end support, DF = 0
Joint
Member
K
K
DF = K/K

AB

BA

BC

CB

3(2EI)/8 = 0.75 EI

0.75 EI

4(3EI)/8 = 1.5 EI

1.5 EI

0.75 EI
1

2.25 EI
0.333

1.5 EI +
0.667

3. Carry over factor (COF)

for opposite end pinned, COF= 0
for opposite end fixed, COF= 0.5
4. Fixed End Moment (FEM)
Assume all joints are fixed,
FEMAB = - 20(8)/8 = - 20 kNm

FEMBA = 20 kNm

FEMBC = - 3(8)2/12 = - 16 kNm

FEMCB = 2(8)2/12 = 16 kNm

Moment distribution table:

Joint
Member

AB

BA

BC

CB

0.333

0.667

FEM (kNm)

-20

20

-16

16

Bal (for pin only)

20
-9.34

-4.67

25.34

-25.34

11.33

DF

Co (for pin only)

10

Bal & Dist

-4.66

Co
Bal & Dist
M

Member end forces:

*reactions at support can be determined by using static equilibriums

Shear force diagram (SFD) & Bending moment diagram (BMD)

SFD

BMD

Example 3: Over-hanging beam

Determine the internal moment at each support of the beam.

Solution:
A moment does not get distributed in the overhanging span AB,
So the distribution factor DFBA =0
Span BC is based on 4EI/L since the pin rocker is not at the far end of the beam.

Joint
Member
K

FEM

BA

BC

CB

CD

DC

4(E)(300)(106)/4
= 300(106) E

300(106) E

4(E)(240)(106)/3
= 320(106) E

320(106) E

K
DF = K/K

300(106) E
0

620(106) E
0.484

320(106) E +
0.516

Moment distribution table:

Joint
Member

BA

BC

CB

CD

DC

0.484

0.516

FEM (Nm)

4000

-2000

2000

Bal & Dist

-2000

-968

-1032

Co

-484

-1000

-516

Bal & Dist

484

484

516

Co

242

242

258

Bal & Dist

-242

-117.1

-124.9

Co

-58.6

-121

-62.4

Bal & Dist

58.6

58.6

62.4

Co

29.3

29.3

31.2

Bal & Dist

-29.3

-14.2

-15.1

Co

-7.1

-14.6

-7.6

Bal & Dist

7.1

7.1

7.6

Co

3.5

3.5

3.8

Bal & Dist

-3.5

-1.7

-1.8

Co

-0.8

-1.8

-0.9

Bal & Dist

0.8

0.9

0.9

Co

0.4

0.4

0.4

Bal & Dist

-0.4

-0.2

-0.2

-4000

587

-587

-293.5

DF

4000

Internal member forces

BMD

More example
Question 1 Moment Distribution Method Fixed End Moments due to External Loadings &
Support Settlement
Question 2 Indeterminate Structure - Moment at support (Joint Couple)
Tutorial Questions Problems (R.C. Hibbeler) P11-2, P11-4, P11-6, P11-7, P11-12

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Week 3
At the end of this topic, students should be :
1) Able to identify non-sway frame and sway frame
2) Able to formulate the member stiffness, distribution factor and
carry-over factor for indeterminate frames.
3) Able to apply the fixed end moments due to external loading.
4) Able to calculate the member end moments and solve the member
end forces for indeterminate frames.
5) Able to draw the shear force diagram, bending moment diagram,
and deflected shape for indeterminate frames.
6) Having technical competency and ability to apply the moment
distribution method in analysis of indeterminate frames.

Moment Distribution for Frame

Type of frame
Non-sway Frame

Criteria
Symmetrical loading
Symmetrical geometry
(without horizontal restrained)

Procedure of Analysis
Same as beam

Horizontal load
Nonsymmetrical vertical load
Nonsymmetrical geometry
( but with proper horizontal
restrained)
Sway Frame

Horizontal load
Nonsymmetrical vertical load
Nonsymmetrical geometry
Different support conditions
Settlement of support
Different EI for frame members
( without horizontal restrained)

Stage1: Non-sway analysis

Apply a restrained, R to prevent the
frame from side-sway.
Moment distribution for non-sway frame.
Stage 2: sway analysis
Release R, a same but in opposite force
R apply to make the frame sway.
Moment distribution for sway frame.

Example 4: Frame without sway (non-sway frame)

Determine the internal moment at the joints of the frame shown. There is a pin
at E and D and a fixed support at A. EI is constant.

Solution:
By inspection, the pin at E will prevent the frame from side-sway.

Joint
Member

AB

BA

BC

CB

CD

CE

DC

EC

4(EI)/5 =
0.8EI

0.8EI

4(EI)/6 =
0.667EI

0.667EI

3(EI)/5 =
0.6EI

3(EI)/4 =
0.75EI

0.6EI

0.75EI

0.8EI +

0.6EI

0.75EI

DF =
K/K

1.467EI
0.545

0.455

FEM

( FEM ) BC

wL2

135kNm
12

( FEM ) CB

wL2

135kNm
12

2.017EI
0.330

0.298

0.372

Moment distribution table:

BMD

Test your understanding

Tutorial Questions Moment Distribution Method (R.C. Hibbeler) P11-13, P11-15,

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Week 4
At the end of this topic, students should be :
1) Able to identify non-sway frame and sway frame
2) Able to formulate the member stiffness, distribution factor and
carry-over factor for indeterminate frames.
3) Able to apply the fixed end moments due to external loading.
4) Able to calculate the member end moments and solve the member
end forces for indeterminate frames.
5) Able to draw the shear force diagram, bending moment diagram,
and deflected shape for indeterminate frames.
6) Having technical competency and ability to apply the moment
distribution method in analysis of indeterminate frames.

Moment distribution for sway frames

To determine sides-way and the internal moments at the joints using
moment distribution, we will use the principle of superposition

Stage 1

Stage 2

Real structure (sway)

Moment, M

Restraining R applied
(Non-sway)

Opposite direction of R, R applied

(sway)

Moment, M1

Moment, M2
Assume R causing a
(FEM due to )

By moment distribution,
get M1
(FEM due to external loads)

Value of R by static of
equilibrium FX = 0

Moment distribution, get M2

Value of R by static of
equilibrium FX = 0

M2 = R/R (M2), R/R is a correction factor

Thus, final moment M = M1 + R/R (M2)

Example 5: Sway frame

Determine the moments at each joint of the frame shown. EI is constant

Solution:
By inspection, this frame will sway due to nonsymmetrical of vertical load and no horizontal
restrained.

Actual frame

Stage 1

Stage 2

Non-sway analysis, M1

Sway analysis, M2

Joint

Member

AB

BA

BC

CB

CD

DC

4EI/5 = 0.8 EI

0.8 EI

4EI/5 = 0.8EI

0.8 EI

4EI/5 = 0.8 EI

0.8 EI

0.8 EI +

DF =
K/K

1.6 EI
0.5

1.6 EI
0.5

Stage 1: Non-sway analysis

FEM

( FEM ) BC

16(4) 2 (1)

10.24kNm
2
(5)

( FEM )CB

16(1) 2 (4)

2.56kNm
2
(5)

0.5

0.8 EI +
0.5

To find R,

Moment distribution table (M1):

5.78 kNm

5m

2.88 kNm

Ax = 1.73 kN

R
FX = 0
R = 1.73 - 0.81 = 0.92 kN
Ax = 1.73 kN

Dx = 0.81kN

2.72 kNm

5m

1.32 kNm

Dx = 0.81 kN

Stage 2: Sway analysis

Assume R is applied at C, causing the frame to deflect .
Since both B and C happen to be displaced the same , AB and DC have
the same E, I and L and both A and D are fixed support,
FEMAB = FEMDC
FEM
Due to ,
FEMAB = - 6EI /52 = -0.24 EI
FEMBA = - 0.24 EI
FEMCD = - 0.24 EI
FEMDC = - 0.24 EI
Assume FEMAB = - 0.24 EI = -100 kNm
Thus, FEMBA = - 100 kNm
FEMCD = - 100 kNm
FEMDC = - 100 kNm

Moment distribution table (M2):

To find R,

60 kNm

5m

80 kNm

Ax = 28 kN

R
FX = 0
R = 28 + 28 = 56 kN
Ax = 28 kN

Dx = 28 kN

60 kNm

5m

80 kNm

Dx = 28 kN

Final moment,
M = M1 + R/R (M2 )

R/R = 0.92/56 = 0.0164

AB

BA

BC

CB

CD

DC

M1

2.88

5.78

-5.78

2.72

-2.72

-1.32

M2= R/R*M2

-1.31

-0.99

0.99

0.99

-0.99

-1.31

M (kNm)

1.57

4.79

-4.79

3.71

-3.71

-2.63

Test your understanding

Question 3 Moment Distribution Method Frames
Tutorial Questions Moment Distribution Method (R.C. Hibbeler) - P11-23, P11-26

Appendix: Fixed End Moment (FEM)