Chapter4MomentDistributionMethod 2010

CHAPTER 4 (C02-P03, P07)

MOMENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD (MDM)

Learning Outcome

At the end of this chapter, students should:

1) Able to formulate the member stiffness, distribution factor and carry-over factor for indeterminate
beams and frames.
2) Able to perform the moment distribution and solve the member end forces for indeterminate beams
and frames.
3) Able to draw the bending moment diagram for indeterminate beams and frames.
4) Having technical competency and ability to apply the moment distribution method in analysis of
indeterminate beams and frames structure.

This chapter consists of:-

1) Moment distribution of indeterminate beam without support settlement.

2) Moment distribution of indeterminate beam with support settlement.
3) Moment distribution of indeterminate non-sway frame.
4) Moment distribution of indeterminate sway frame.

Moment Distribution Method

1. The method of analyzing beams and frames and was developed by Hardy Cross, in 1930.
2. Moment distribution is a method of successive approximations that may be carried out to any desired
degree of accuracy.
3. Essentially, the method begins by assuming each joint of a structure is fixed.
4. Then, by unlocking and locking each joint in succession, the internal moments at the joints are
distributed and balanced until the joints have rotated to their final or nearly final positions.
5. This process of calculation is both repetitive and easy to apply.
6. Can only be used only for the analysis of continuous beams and frames, taking into account their
bending deformation only.
7. Uses an iterative technique.

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8. Employs a few basic concepts and a few specialized terms such as

a) Fixed end moments
b) Relative stiffness / member stiffness
c) Distribution Factor
d) Carry over moment / carry over factor

Sign convention

Clockwise moments that act on the member are considered positive, whereas counterclockwise moments
are negative.

Fixed-End Moments (FEM)

The moments at the walls or fixed joints of a loaded member are called fixed-end moments. Noting that
these moments on the beam and applying sign convention as above.

Figure 4.1

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Fixed-End Moments (FEM)

Figure 4.2

Member stiffness factor

Type of beams Member Stiffness Factor, K

Far End Fixed 4EI
L
Far End Pinned or Roller Supported 3EI
L
Symmetric Beam and Loading 2 EI
L
Symmetric Beam with Antisymmetric 6EI
Loading L

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Distribution Factor (DF)

K
DF =
K
Carry-over factor (COF)

Carry-over factor represents the fraction of M that is carried over from the pin to the wall. Hence, in the
case of a beam with far end fixed, the carry over factor is + . The plus sign indicates both moments act
in the same direction.

COF = 0.5 for opposite end fixed

CO F = 0.0 for opposite end pinned or cantilevered

Procedure for the analysis

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 distributes 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.

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Example 1: Beam Analysis without Settlement

Figure 4.3 below shows a continuous beam ABCD. The beam is subjected to various types of loads as
shown. Using moment distribution method (MDM),

a) Calculate stiffness factor, K and distribution factor, DF for the beam.

b) Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam. EI is constant.

250 kN
20 kN/m
C
A B
D

12 m 12 m 4m 4m

Figure 4.3

Solution:

Stiffness Factor, K

4E1 4E1 4E1

K AB = K BC = K CD =
12 12 8

Distribution Factor, DF

(DF)AB = (DF)DC = 0 (Fixed Support)

4 EI / 12
(DF)BA = (DF)BC = = 0.5
4 EI / 12 + 4 EI / 12

4 EI / 12
(DF)CB = = 0.4
4 EI / 12 + 4 EI / 8

4 EI / 8
(DF)CD = = 0.6
4 EI / 12 + 4 EI / 8

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Fixed-End Moments

wL2
(FEM)BC = = - 240 kN.m
12

wL2
(FEM)CB = + = + 240 kN.m
12

PL
(FEM)CD = = - 250 kN.m
8

PL
(FEM)DC = + = + 250 kN.m
8

Distribution Process

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF 0 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.6 0
FEM -240 +240 -250 +250
DIST 120 120 4 6
CO 60 2 60 3
DIST -1 -1 -24 -36
CO -0.5 -12 -0.5 -18
DIST 6 6 0.2 0.3
CO 3 0.1 3 0.15
DIST -0.05 -0.05 -1.2 -1.8
CO -0.025 -0.6 -0.025 -0.9
DIST 0.3 0.3 0.01 0.015
M 62.5 125.25 -125.25 281.5 -281.5 234.3

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Self Learning Exercise: Beam Analysis without Settlement

Question 1

Figure 4.4 below shows a continuous beam ABCD. The beam is subjected to various types of loads as
shown. Using moment distribution method (MDM),

c) Calculate stiffness factor, K and distribution factor, DF for the beam.

d) Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam. EI is constant.

150 kN

25 kN/m
A

D
B C

10 m 10 m 4m 4m

Figure 4.4

Solution:

Step 1: Calculate stiffness factors, K and distribution factors, DF for the member.

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB

B BA

B BC

C CB

C CD

D CD

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Step 2: Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs)

MEMBER FEM
AB

BA

BC

CB

CD

CD

Step 3: Calculate end moments

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF

FEM

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

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Question 2: Beam Analysis without Settlement

Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam shown below. The moment of inertia of span
AB, BC and CD are 200(106) mm4, 300(106) mm4 and 240(106) mm4 respectively.

2000 N

150 kN/m

A D
B C

5m 5m 4m

Figure 4.5

Solution:

Step 1: Calculate stiffness factors, K and distribution factors, DF for the member.

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB

B BA

B BC

C CB

C CD

D CD

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Step 2: Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs)

MEMBER FEM
BA

BC

CB

Step 3: Calculate end moments

Joint B C D
Member BA BC CB CD DC
DF

FEM

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

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Question 3: Beam Analysis without Settlement

Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam shown below. The moment of inertia of span
AB and BC are 120(106) mm4 and 240(106) mm4 respectively.

200 kN/m
A

B C

5m 7m

Figure 4.6

Solution:

Step 1: Calculate stiffness factors, K and distribution factors, DF for the member.

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB

B BA

B BC

C CB

Step 2: Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs)

MEMBER FEM
BC

CB

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Step 3: Calculate end moments

Joint A B C
Member AB BA BC CB
DF

FEM

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

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Example 2: Beam Analysis with Settlement

Below is a continuous beam ABCD. The beam is subjected to various type of loads as shown. Besides,
support B is settled by 25 mm. Flexural rigidities EI is constant. E is 200 GPa and I is 500 x 106 mm4.

a) Determine stiffness factor, K for each member.

b) Determine distribution factor (DF) of each member.
c) By considering support settlement, determine the internal moments at each support of the beam.

250 kN
20 kN/m
C
A B
D

12 m 10 m 4m 4m

Figure 4.7

Solution:

Stiffness Factor, K and Distribution Factor, DF

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB 4EI/12 0

B BA 4EI/12 0.455

B BC 4EI/10 0.545

C CB 4EI/10 0.444

C CD 4EI/8 0.556

D CD 4EI/8 0

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Part A: FEM due to external loads

wL2
(FEM)BC = = - 240 kN.m
12

wL2
(FEM)CB = + = + 240 kN.m
12

PL
(FEM)CD = = - 250 kN.m
8

PL
(FEM)DC = + = + 250 kN.m
8

Distribution Process

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF 0 0.455 0.545 0.444 0.556 0
FEM -240 +240 -250 +250
DIST 109.2 130.8 4.44 5.56
CO 54.6 2.22 65.4 2.78
DIST -1.01 -1.21 -29.04 -36.36
CO -0.51 -14.52 -0.61 -18.18
DIST 6.61 7.91 0.27 0.33
CO 3.31 0.14 3.96 0.17
DIST -0.06 -0.08 -1.76 -2.2
CO -0.03 -0.88 -0.04 -1.1
DIST 0.4 0.48 0.02 0.02
M 57.37 115.14 -115.14 282.64 -282.64 233.67

Part B: FEM due to settlement

Settlement happened at joint B.

Draw the free-body diagram (FBD) during settlement.

A B C D

0.025

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6EI 6 200 500 0.025

FEM FEM 104.167
L 12

6EI 6 200 500 0.025

FEM FEM 150
L 10

Distribution Process

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF 0 0.455 0.545 0.444 0.556 0
FEM -104.167 -104.167 150 150
DIST -20.85 -24.983 -66.6 -83.4
CO -10.425 -33.3 -12.492 -41.7
DIST 15.2 18.1 5.546 6.946
CO 7.6 2.773 9.05 3.473
DIST -1.262 -1.511 -4.02 -5.03
CO -0.631 -2.01 -0.76 -5.03
DIST 0.91 1.1 0.34 0.42
CO 0.455 0.17 0.55 0.21
DIST -0.08 -0.09 -0.24 -0.31
M -107.168 -110.249 110.249 81.374 -81.374 -43.047

PART C: TOTAL MOMENT

While settlement occurs, the beam is also subjected to external loads. So, total moment is summation of
end moment from part A and part B as shown below.

End moment, M = M1 + M2

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
MA 57.37 115.14 -115.14 282.64 -282.64 233.67
MB -107.168 -110.249 110.249 81.374 -81.374 -43.047
M -49.798 4.891 -4.891 364.014 -364.014 190.623

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Self Learning Exercise: Beam Analysis with Settlement

Question 4

Below is a continuous beam ABCD. The beam is subjected to various type of loads as shown. Besides,
support B is settled by 30 mm. Flexural rigidities EI is constant. E is 200 GPa and I is 500 x 106 mm4.

a) Determine stiffness factor, K for each member.

b) Determine distribution factor (DF) of each member.
c) By considering support settlement, determine the internal moments at each support of the beam.

50 kN

25 kN/m
A

D
B C

10 m 12 m 4m 4m

Figure 4.8

Solution:

Stiffness Factor, K and Distribution Factor, DF

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB

B BA

B BC

C CB

C CD

D CD

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Part A: FEM due to external loads

Distribution Process

Joint B C D
Member BA BC CB CD DC
DF

FEM

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

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Part B: FEM due to settlement

Settlement happened at joint B.

Draw the free-body diagram (FBD) during settlement.

Distribution Process

Joint B C D
Member BA BC CB CD DC
DF

FEM

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

CO

DIST

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PART C: TOTAL MOMENT

While settlement occurs, the beam is also subjected to external loads. So, total moment is summation of
end moment from part A and part B as shown below.

End moment, M = M1 + M2

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
M1

M2

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Question 5: Beam Analysis with Settlement

A continuous beam ABCD with three spans is shown in Figure 4.9. A uniformly distributed load of
magnitude 25 kN/m is acting on member BC and a point load of 200 kN is acting at point E. By using
the Moment-Distribution Method,

(a) Compute the stiffness factor of the beam.

(b) Determine the member end moments for the beam.
(c) Determine the vertical forces at support A, B, C and D.
(d) If support C and D are temporarily settled by 25 mm, calculate the new value of end moments of the
beam. Take E = 70 GPa, I = 400 x 106 mm4.

200 kN/m
25 kN/m
A B C D
E

3m 7m 4m 2m

Figure 4.9

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Frame Analysis without Sidesway

A frame will not sidesway, or be displaced to the left or right, provided

a) It is properly restrained
b) It is symmetric with respect to both loading and geometry.

For both cases, the analysis will be done by determining FEM due to external loads only.

Example 3: Frame without Sidesway

Below is a figure of a rigid jointed plane frame fixed at A, D, E and F. Beam ABCD is subjected to
uniformly distributed load of 50 kN/m whereas member BF and CE is subjected to point load of 150 kN
and 100 kN respectively, which is located at the middle of each column. Using moment distribution
method (MDM),

a) Determine stiffness factor, K for each member.

b) Determine distribution factor (DF) of each member.
c) Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam.
d) Draw bending moment diagram for beam ABCD only.

50 /

2 3 2

150 100 6

F E

2 5 4

Figure 4.10

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Solution:

Stiffness Factor, K and Distribution Factor, DF

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB 4(2EI)/2 0

B BA 4(2EI)/2 0.566

B BC 4(3EI)/5 0.340

B BF 4EI/6 0.094

C CB 4(3EI)/5 0.474

C CD 4(2EI)/4 0.395

C CE 4EI/6 0.131

D DC 4(2EI)/4 0

E EC 4EI/6 0

F FB 4EI/6 0

Fixed-End Moments

MEMBER FEM (kN/m)

AB 16.667
BA 16.667
BC 104.167
CB 104.167
CD 66.667
DC 66.667
FB 112.50
BF 112.50
CE 75
EC 75

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Distribution Process

Joint A B C D E F
Member AB BA BC BF CB CD CE DC EC FB
DF 0 0 0 0
0.566 0.340 0.094 0.474 0.395 0.131
FEM -16.667 16.667 -104.167 112.500 104.167 -66.667 -75.000 66.667 75.000 -112.500
DIST -14.150 -8.500 -2.350 17.775 14.813 4.913
CO -7.075 8.888 -4.250 7.406 2.456 -1.175
DIST -5.030 -3.022 -0.835 2.015 1.679 0.557
CO -2.515 1.007 -1.511 0.839 0.278 -0.418
DIST -0.570 -0.342 -0.095 0.716 0.597 0.198
CO -0.285 0.358 -0.171 0.298 0.099 -0.047
DIST -0.203 -0.122 -0.034 0.081 0.068 0.022
CO -0.101 0.041 -0.061 0.034 0.011 -0.017
DIST -0.023 -0.014 -0.004 0.029 0.024 0.008
M -26.643 -3.309 -105.873 109.182 118.79 -49.486 -69.302 75.244 77.844 -114.157

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Self Learning Exercise

Question 6

In figure below, a rigid-jointed plane frame is shown fixed to the foundation A and E and pinned at
support F. Uniformly distributed loads of intensity 9 kN/m and 12 kN/m are shown acting on member AB
and BC respectively. A point load of 24 kN and 28 kN is shown acting on member BF and CE
respectively. In addition to that, another point load of 20 kN is acting on the cantilever end DC.

a) By using moment distribution method, determine the member end moments for the frame. The
flexural rigidity, EI, of each member is as indicated.
b) Draw bending moment diagram (BMD) for member ABCD only.

20 kN
12 kN/m
9 kN/m
C
A EI B 2EI EI D
2m
2.5 m
28 kN 1.5EI
1.5EI 24 kN 2m
E
2.5 m

3m 5m 2m

Figure 4.11

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Solution:

Stiffness Factor, K and Distribution Factor, DF

Fixed-End Moments

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Distribution Process

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Frame Analysis with Sidesway

For sidesway frame, the analysis will be determining FEM due to

a) External loads only

b) Sidesway only

For sidesway analysis, principle of superposition should be fulfilled. Then, the total moment is
summation of end moments considering these two effects.

Frames that are nonsymmetrical or subjected to nonsymmetrical loadings have a tendency to sidesway.

To determine internal moments at the joints using moment distribution method, we will use principle of
superposition as shown in the figure below.

4.12(a) 4.12(b) 4.12(c)

Figure 4.12(a) shows a sidesway frame.

Figure4.12 (b) is first considered held from sidesway by applying an artificial joint at support C. Moment
distribution is applied and then by statics, the restraining force R is determined.

The equal, but opposite, restraining force is then applied to the frame in figure 4.12(c), and the moments
in the frame are calculated.

One method for doing this last step requires first assuming a numerical value for one of the internal
moments, say MBA. Using moment distribution method and statics, the deflection and external force R
corresponding to the assumed value of MBA can then be determined.

Since linear elastic deformations occur, the force R develops moments in the frame that are proportional
to those developed by R.

For example, if MBA and R are known, the moment at B developed by R will be MBA = MBA(R/R).

Addition of the joint moments for both cases, Figure 4.12(b) and 4.12(c) will yield the actual moments in
the frame 4.12(a).

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Example 4: Frame with Sidesway

Figure 4.13 below shows a rigid jointed plane frame fixed at A and D. The frame is subjected to various
types of loads as shown. The flexural rigidities EI is constant for all members. Using moment distribution
method (MDM),

a) Determine stiffness factor, K for each member.

b) Determine distribution factor (DF) of each member.
c) Determine the internal moments at each support of the beam.
d) Sketch bending moment diagram (BMD) for the frame.

20 kN/m

200 kN
B C

4m
6m
A

5m

Figure 4.13

Solution:

Since the frame is not symmetry due to geometry, the frame has a tendency to sidesway.

Using principle of superposition,

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(a) MT (Final Moments)

(b) M0 (c) M

(d) M

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From principle of superposition,

MT = M0 + M

In summary, analysis of frame with sidesway can be done using the following procedure.

1) Calculate distribution factor (DF) of each span.

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB 4EI/4 0 (Fixed support)
B BA 4EI/4 0.556
B BC 4EI/5 0.444
C CB 4EI/5 0.545
C CD 4EI/6 0.455
D CD 4EI/6 0 (Fixed support)

2) Non-Sway Analysis
(a) Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs) due to external loads

MEMBER FEM
BC 2
( 20)(5)
= 41.667 kN.m
12
CB + 41.667kN.m

(b) Calculate end moments (M0)

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF 0 0.556 0.444 0.545 0.455 0
FEM -41.667 41.667
DIST 23.167 18.500 -22.709 -18.958
CO 11.583 -11.354 9.250 -9.479
DIST 6.313 5.041 -5.041 -4.209
CO 3.156 -2.521 2.521 -2.104
DIST 1.401 1.119 -1.374 -1.147
CO 0.701 -0.687 0.560 -0.573
DIST 0.382 0.305 -0.305 -0.255
M0 15.440 31.263 -31.263 24.569 -24.569 -12.156

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(c) Determine R value

R value can be determined by using statics analysis. Study figure (b) and write shear equation
for the frame as shown below.

Figure 4.14

200 0

Ax and Dx can be determined using column analysis.

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MBA MCD

4m
6m

Ax

MAB
Dx
Ay
MDC

Dy

Column AB

15.440 + 31.263
+ MB = 0; Ax = = 11.766kN
4

24.569 12.156
+ MC = 0; Dx = = 6.121kN
6

200 11.766 6.121 0

205.645

3) Sway Analysis
(a) Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs) due to sidesway (deflection)

Study frame in figure (d). This is an imaginary figure where the frame is sidesway due to R.

A force R that is applied at C causing the frame to deflect as shown and both B and C happen
to be displaced the same amount . We will arbitrarily assume this fixed end moment (FEM) for
column AB and determine FEM for column CD. Since the frame is sidesway to the right, we
must assume negative value of FEM.

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FEM (due to deflection) is always counterclockwise (negative) when the angle of the member
from original position to new position is clockwise (positive).

Assume

100

6
100
4

= -266.667

Apply

6
44.44
6

(b) Calculate end moments (M)

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
DF 0 0.556 0.444 0.545 0.455 0
FEM -100 -100 -44.44 -44.44
DIST 55.600 44.400 24.220 20.220
CO 27.800 12.110 22.200 10.110
DIST -6.733 -5.377 -12.099 -10.101
CO -3.367 -6.050 -2.688 -5.051
DIST 3.364 2.686 1.465 1.223
CO 1.682 0.733 1.343 0.612
DIST -0.407 -0.325 -0.732 -0.611
M -73.885 -48.177 48.177 33.709 -33.709 -38.769

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(c) Determine R,value

R value associated with this -100 kNm moment can now be determined by using statics analysis.
Study figure (d) and write shear equation for the frame as shown below.

Ax and Dx can be determined using column analysis.

MBA MCD

4m
6m

Ax

MAB
Dx
Ay
MDC

Dy

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Column AB

73.885 48.177
+ MB = 0; A' x = = 30.516kN
4

33.709 38.769
+ MC = 0; D' x = = 12.080kN
6

30.516 12.080 0

42.596

Using interpolation, comparing figure (c) and (d),

(R/R) is also called as CORRECTION FACTOR

From principle of superposition,

205.645

42.596

4.828

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4) Final end moments (MT)

4.828

Joint A B C D
Member AB BA BC CB CD DC
M0 15.44 31.263 -31.263 24.569 -24.569 -12.156
M -73.885 -48.177 48.177 33.709 -33.709 -38.769
MT -341.277 -201.336 201.336 187.316 -187.316 -199.333

Summary of the procedure for analysis of frame using moment distribution method (MDM) is shown in
figure below.

1) Calculate distribution factor (DF) of each span.

2) Non-Sway Analysis
(a) Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs) due to external loads
(b) Calculate end moments (M0)
(c) Determine R value
3) Sway Analysis
(a) Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs) due to sidesway (deflection)
(b) Calculate end moments (M)
(c) Determine R value
4) Determine Final End Moment (MT) using this equation

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Self Learning Exercise

Question 7

A rigid jointed plane frame ABC are fixed at A and pinned at C as shown in Figure 4.14. There is an
inclined load at B of magnitude 150 kNm. In addition, a uniformly distributed load of 75 kN/m is
subjected on member BC. By using Moment Distribution Method,

(a) Calculate stiffness factor for each member, then distribution factor (DF).
(b) Calculate member end moments at each joint.
(c) Sketch bending moment diagram (BMD) for the above case.
(d) Support C is temporarily unrestrained horizontally because of the event of landslide that
happened at the location of the frame, what would be the new member end moment values if we
have to consider this event in the calculation?

150 kN

4 75 kN/m
3
C
B

8m

2m 5m

Figure 4.14

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Solution:

1) Calculate distribution factor (DF) of each span.

JOINT MEMBER K DF
A AB

B BA

B BC

C CB

2) Non-Sway Analysis
(a) Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs) due to external loads

MEMBER FEM
BC

CB

(b) Calculate end moments (M0)

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(c) Determine R value

R value can be determined by using statics analysis. Study figure (b) and write shear equation
for the frame as shown below.

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3) Sway Analysis
(a) Calculate Fixed-End Moments (FEMs) due to sidesway (deflection)

(b) Calculate end moments (M)

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(c) Determine R value

4) Final end moments (MT)

4.828

Joint A B C
Member AB BA BC CB
M0

MT

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Past Year Exam Questions

October 2003

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