Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N.

Mukalay

Chapter 2: Analysis of Structures using Moment-Distribution Method

2.1 Introduction

The moment-distribution method can be used for the analysis of continuous beams and frames,
taking into account their bending deformations only. This method, which was initially developed
by Hardy Cross in 1924, was the most widely used method for analysis of structures from 1930.

The moment-distribution method is preferred by many engineers for analyzing smaller structures,
since it provides a better insight into the behavior of structures. Furthermore, this method may
also be used for preliminary designs as well as for checking the results of computerized analyses.

The main reason for the popularity of the moment-distribution method in the pre computer era was
due to the fact that it does not involve the solution of as many simultaneous equations as required
by the other classical methods.

In the analysis of continuous beams and frames without side sway, the moment-distribution
method completely avoids the solution of simultaneous equations, whereas in the case of frames
with side sway, the number of simultaneous equations involved usually equals the number of
independent joint translations.

The moment-distribution method is classified as a displacement method and from a theoretical

viewpoint, it is very similar to the slope-deflection method considered in the preceding chapter.

However, in the moment-distribution method the moment equilibrium equations of the joints are
solved iteratively by successively considering the moment equilibrium at one joint at a time, while
the remaining joints of the structure are assumed to be retrained against displacement.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

2.2 Sign convention

In applying the moment-distribution method, we will adopt the following sign convention :
Counter clockwise member end moments are considered positive.

Since a counterclockwise moment at an end of a member must act in a clockwise direction on the
adjacent joint, the foregoing sign convention implies that clockwise moments on joints are
considered positive.

2.3 Member stiffness

Consider a prismatic beam AB, which is hinged at end A and fixed at end B (Figure 1). If we apply
a moment M at the end A, the beam rotates by an angle 𝜃 at the hinged end A and develops a
moment 𝑀𝐴𝐵 at the fixed end B as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

The relationship between the applied moment M and the rotation 𝜃 can be established by using the
slope-deflection equation. By substituting 𝑀𝑛𝑓 = 𝑀, 𝜃𝑛 = 𝜃 and 𝜃𝑓 = 𝜓 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑛𝑓 = 0 into the
slope-deflection, we obtain:
4𝐸𝐼
𝑀=( )𝜃 (1)
𝐿

̅ , of a member is defined as the moment that must be applied at an end of

The bending stiffness, 𝐾
the member to cause a unit rotation of that end. Thus, by setting 𝜃 = 1 𝑟𝑎𝑑 in equation 1, we
obtain the expression for the bending stiffness of the beam (a) to be:

̅ = 4𝐸𝐼
𝐾 (2)
𝐿

When the modulus of elasticity for all the members of a structure is the same (i.e., E = constant),
it is usually convenient to work with the relative bending stiffnesses of members in the analysis.
̅ , by
The relative bending stiffness, K, of a member is obtained by dividing its bending stiffness, 𝐾
4E. Thus, the relative bending stiffness of the beam of Fig. 1(a) is given by:

̅
𝐾 𝐼
𝐾 = 4𝐸 = 𝐿 (3)

Now. suppose that the far end B of the beam of Fig. 1(a) is hinged
as shown in Fig. 1(b). The relationship between the applied moment M and the rotation 𝜃 of the
end A of the beam can now be determined by using the modified slope-deflection equation for
hinged members. By substituting 𝑀𝑟ℎ = 𝑀, 𝜃𝑟 = 𝜃 and 𝜓 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑟ℎ = 𝐹𝐸𝑀ℎ𝑟 = 0 into the
modified slope-deflection, we obtain:
3𝐸𝐼
𝑀=( )𝜃 (4)
𝐿

By setting 𝜃 = 1 𝑟𝑎𝑑 in equation 1, we obtain the expression for the bending stiffness of the beam
(a) to be:

̅ = 3𝐸𝐼
𝐾 (5)
𝐿

A comparison of Eqs 2 and 5 indicates that the stiffness of the beam is reduced by 25% when the
fixed support at B is replaced by a hinged support. The relative bending stiffness of the beam can
now be obtained by dividing its bending stiffness by 4E:

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

3 𝐼
𝐾 = 4 (𝐿) (6)

From Eqs. 1 and 4, we can see that the relationship between the applied end moment M and the
rotation 𝜃 of the corresponding end of a member can be summarized as follows:

4𝐸𝐼
( ) 𝜃 𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑
𝐿
M= (7)
3𝐸𝐼
( ) 𝜃 𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑
𝐿

Similarly, based on Eqs. 2 and 5, the bending stiffness of a member Is given by:
4𝐸𝐼
𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑 (8)
𝐿
̅=
𝐾
3𝐸𝐼
𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑
𝐿
and the relative bending stiffness of a member can be expressed as Eqs. 3 and 6:
𝐼
𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑
𝐿 (9)
K=
3 𝐼
( ) 𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑
4 𝐿

2.4 Carryover Moment

Let us consider again the hinged-fixed beam of Fig. 1(a). When a moment M is applied at the
hinged end A of the beam, a moment 𝑀𝐵𝐴 develops at the fixed end B as shown in the figure. The
moment 𝑀𝐵𝐴 is termed the carryover moment. To establish the relationship between the applied
moment M and the carryover moment 𝑀𝐵𝐴 , by substituting 𝑀𝑛𝑓 = 𝑀𝐵𝐴 , 𝜃𝑓 = 𝜃 and 𝜃𝑛 = 𝜓 =
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑛𝑓 = 0 into the slope-deflection, we obtain:
2𝐸𝐼
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = ( )𝜃 (10)
𝐿

Substituting 𝜃 = 𝑀𝐿/(4𝐸𝐼) from Eq. 1 into Eq. 10, we obtain:

𝑀
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 2
(11)

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

As Eq. 11 indicates, when a moment of magnitude M is applied at the hinged end of a beam, one-
half of the applied moment is carried over to the far end, provided that the far end is fixed. Note
that the direction of the carryover moment, 𝑀𝐵𝐴 , is the same as that of the applied moment, M.

When the far end of the beam is hinged, as shown in Figure 1 (b), the carryover moment 𝑀𝐵𝐴 is
zero. Thus, we can express the carryover moment as:

𝑀
𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑 (12)
2
𝑀𝐵𝐴 =
0 𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑

The ratio of the carryover moment to the applied moment (𝑀𝐵𝐴 /𝑀) is called the carryover factor
of the member. It represents the fraction of the applied moment M that is carried over to the far
end of the member. By dividing Eq. 12 by M, we can express the carryover factor (COF) as:

1
𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑
2 (13)
COF =
0 𝑖𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑

2.5 Distribution factors

When analyzing a structure by the moments 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 three-member frame shown in figure 2 (a) and suppose that a moment M is
applied to the joint B, causing it to rotate by an angle 𝜃, as shown in the figure.

To determine what fraction of the applied moment M is resisted by each of the three members
connected to the joint, we draw free-body diagrams of joints B and of the three members AB, BC
and BD, as shown in Figure 2. By considering the moment equilibrium of the free-body of joint B
(i.e., ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0), we write:

𝑀 + 𝑀𝐵𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 + 𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 0

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝑀 = −(𝑀𝐵𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 + 𝑀𝐵𝐷 ) (14)

Figure 2

Since members AB, BC, and BD are rigidly connected to joint B, the rotations of the ends B of
these members are the same as that of the joints. The moments at the ends B of the members can
be expressed in terms of the joint rotation 𝜃 by applying Eq. 7. Noting that the far ends A and C,
respectively, of members AB and BC are fixed, whereas the far end D of member BD is hinged,
we apply Eq. 7 through Eq. 9 to each member to obtain:

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

4𝐸𝐼1
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = ( ̅𝐵𝐴 𝜃 = 4𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐴 𝜃
)𝜃 = 𝐾 (15)
𝐿1

4𝐸𝐼2
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = ( ̅𝐵𝐶 𝜃 = 4𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐶 𝜃
)𝜃 = 𝐾 (16)
𝐿2

3𝐸𝐼3
𝑀𝐵𝐷 = ( ̅𝐵𝐷 𝜃 = 3𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐷 𝜃
)𝜃 = 𝐾 (17)
𝐿3

Substituting Eqs. 15 through 17 in Eq. 14:

4𝐸𝐼1 4𝐸𝐼2 3𝐸𝐼3
𝑀 = −( + + ).𝜃
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿3
̅ 𝐵𝐴 + 𝐾
𝑀 = −(𝐾 ̅ 𝐵𝐶 + 𝐾
̅ 𝐵𝐷 ). 𝜃 = −(∑ 𝐾
̅𝐵 ). 𝜃 (18)

• ̅𝐵 is the sum of the bending stiffness of all the members connected to joint B.
In which ∑ 𝐾
• The rotational stiffness of a joint is defined as the moment required to cause a unit rotation of
̅𝐵 ). 1
the joint: −(∑ 𝐾
The negative sign is due to the fact that counterclockwise is assumed positive for member end
moment, whereas the moment acting on the joints are considered positive when they act in the
clockwise direction.

𝑀 = −(𝑀𝐵𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵𝐶 + 𝑀𝐵𝐷 )

= −(4𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐴 + 4𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐶 + 4𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐷 ). 𝜃 = −4𝐸 (∑ 𝐾𝐵 ) . 𝜃

From which,
𝑀
𝜃=− (19)
4𝐸(∑ 𝐾𝐵 )

Substituting Eq. 19 in Eqs. 15 through 17:

𝑀 𝐾
𝑀𝐵𝐴 = 4𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐴 . 𝜃 = −4𝐸𝐾𝐵𝐴 . 4𝐸(∑ 𝐾 = − (∑ 𝐵𝐴 ).𝑀 (20)
𝐵) 𝐾 𝐵

𝐵𝐶𝐾
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = − (∑ 𝐾 ).𝑀 (21)
𝐵

𝐾
𝑀𝐵𝐷 = − (∑ 𝐵𝐷 ).𝑀 (22)
𝐾 𝐵

• From these equations we can see that the applied moment M is distributed to the three members
AB, BC and BC in proportions to their relative bending stiffnesses.
• The ratio 𝐾⁄∑ 𝐾 for the member is termed the distribution factor DF of that member for end
𝐵

B: it represents the fraction of the applied moment M that is distributed to end B of the member.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

• Eqs. 20 through 22 can be expressed as:

𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 . 𝑀 (23)
𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 . 𝑀 (24)
𝑀𝐵𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐷 . 𝑀 (25)

In which,

𝐾 𝐾 𝐾
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = ∑ 𝐵𝐴 𝐵𝐶
, 𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = ∑ 𝐾 and 𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐷 = ∑ 𝐵𝐷 are the distribution factor for end B of members
𝐾 𝐵 𝐵 𝐾 𝐵

AB, BC and BD, respectively.

Example 1.

Figure 3

𝐼 𝐼
𝐾𝐵𝐴 = 𝐾𝐵𝐶 = 𝐿 = 6 = 0.167𝐼
3 𝐼 3 𝐼 𝐼
𝐾𝐵𝐷 = 4 . 𝐿 = 4 . 9 = 12 = 0.083𝐼

∑ 𝐾𝐵 = 𝐾𝐵𝐴 + 𝐾𝐵𝐶 + 𝐾𝐵𝐷 = (2𝑥 0.167𝐼) + 0.083𝐼 = 0.417𝐼

0.167𝐼
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = = 0.40
0.417𝐼
0.167𝐼
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = = 0.40
0.417𝐼
0.083𝐼
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐷 = = 0.20
0.417𝐼

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

These DF indicate that 40% of 200 kN.m moment applied to joint B is exerted at end B of members
AB and BC, and the remaining 20% at end B of member BD.

𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 . 𝑀 = − 0.40 𝑥 200 = −80 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 𝑜𝑟 80 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 +↷

𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 . 𝑀 = − 0.40 𝑥 200 = −80 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 𝑜𝑟 80 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 +↷
𝑀𝐵𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐷 . 𝑀 = − 0.20 𝑥 200 = −40 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 𝑜𝑟 40 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 +↷

The distribution factor DF for an end of a member that is rigidly connected to the adjacent joint
equals the ratio of the relative bending stiffness of the member to the sum of the relative bending
stiffnesses of all the members framing into the joint.

𝐾
𝐷𝐹 = ∑ 𝐾 (26)

In this chapter, the effects of joint translations due to support settlements and side sway are also
taken into account by means of fixed-end moments (given on the back cover).

6𝐸𝐼Δ
6𝐸𝐼Δ
𝐿2
𝐿2

6𝐸𝐼Δ
6𝐸𝐼Δ
𝐿2
𝐿2

Figure 4

Let’s consider the fixed beam of Figure 4 (a). A small settlement ∆ of the left end A of the beam
with respect to the right end B causes the beam’s chord to rotate counterclockwise by an angle
Δ
𝜓 = 𝐿.

By writing the slope-deflection equations:

2𝐸𝐼 Δ
𝑀𝑛𝑓 = (2𝜃𝑛 + 𝜃𝑓 − 3𝜓) + 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑛𝑓 for the two end moments with 𝜓 = 𝐿 and by setting 𝜃𝐴 and
𝐿

𝜃𝐵 , 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐵 and 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐴 due to external loading equal to zero, we obtain:

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

6𝐸𝐼Δ
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐴 = − (26)
𝐿2

In which 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐵 and 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐴 denotes the fixed-end moments due to the relative translation Δ
between the two ends of the beam.

For Figure 4 (b):

6𝐸𝐼Δ
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐴 = (27)
𝐿2

2.6 Basic concept of the Moment Distribution method

• The moment distribution method is an iterative procedure, in which it is initially assumed that
all the joints of the structure that are free to rotate are temporarily restrained against rotation
by imaginary clamps applied to them.
• External loads and joints translations (if any) are applied to this hypothetical fixed structure,
and fixed-end moment at the ends of its members are computed.
• These fixed-end moments generally are not in equilibrium at those joints of the structure that
are actually free to rotate.
• The conditions of equilibrium at such joints are then satisfied iteratively by releasing one joint
at a time, with the remaining joints assumed to remain clamped.
• A joint at which the moments are not in balance is selected, and its balanced moment is
evaluated. The joint is then released by removing the clamp, thereby allowing it to rotate under
the unbalanced moment until the equilibrium state is reached.
• The rotation of the joint induces moments at the ends of the members connected to it.
• Such member end moments are referred to as distributed moments.
• The bending of these members due to the distributed moments causes carryover moments to
develop at the far ends of the members, which can easily be evaluated by using the member
carryover factors.
• The joint, which is now in equilibrium, is reclamped in its rotated position. Next, another joint
with an unbalanced moment is selected and is released, balanced and reclamped in the same
manner.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

• The procedure is repeated until the unbalanced moments at all the joints of the structure are
negligibly small.
• The final member end moments are obtained by algebraically summing the fixed-end moment
and all the distributed and carryover moments at each member end.
• With member end moments known, member end shears, member axial forces and support
reactions can be determined through equilibrium considerations.
• It is convenient to carry out the moment distribution analysis in a tabular form: A moment
distribution table.

2.7 Procedure for Analysis

1. Calculate the Distribution factor (DF) for each joint which is free to rotate. This should be
done for each member rigidly connected to that joint: 𝐾 = 𝐼 ⁄𝐿
2. Compute the Fixed-End Moments, assuming that all the free joints are clamped. External loads
and support settlement (if any) should be taken into consideration in this step.
3. Balance the moments at all joints that are free to rotate by applying the moment distribution
process as follows:
a) At each joint, calculate the unbalanced moment.
b) Distribute the unbalanced moment at the joint to the members connected to the joint:
𝐷𝑀 = −𝐷𝐹 𝑥 𝑀
with M = UM: Unbalanced moment
c) Carry over one-half of each (DM) distributed moment to opposite far end of the
member: 𝐶𝑂𝑀 = 𝐷𝑀 𝑥 𝐶𝑂𝐹
d) Repeat steps a, b and c until either all the free joints are balanced or the unbalanced
moments at these joints are very small.
4. Determine the final member end moments by algebraically summing the fixed end moment,
the distributed moment and the carryover moments at each end:
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀 + 𝐷𝑀 + 𝐶𝑂𝑀 in the column under consideration
If the procedure is carried out correctly, the final moments must satisfy the equations of the
moment equilibrium at all the joints of the structure that are free to rotate: ∑ 𝑀 = 0.
5. Compute member end shears by considering the equilibrium of the members of the structure.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

6. Compute the support reactions by considering the equilibrium of the joints of the structure.
7. Draw the shear and bending moment diagram by using the beam sign convention.
• Beam with simple supports at the ends
3 𝐼
The analysis can be simplified by using the reduced relative bending stiffness, 𝐾 = (4) 𝐿, for span

adjacent to simple end supports.

When using reduced stiffness, the joints at the simple end supports are balanced only once during
the moment distribution process, after which they are left unclamped so that no moments can be
carried over to them as the interior joints of the structure are balanced.

Figure 8

• Portion CD does not contribute to the rotation of joint C, 𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 0

• Thus, joint C can be considered as a simple end support in the analysis.
• The moment at end C of CD, however, does affect the unbalanced moment at joint C and must
be included along with the other fixed end moments in the analysis.
• The moment at C can be easily calculated since it is a determinate structure.
𝑤𝑎2
𝑀𝐶𝐷 =
2

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

Example 2: Determine the member end moments for the continuous beam shown in the Figure
below: 𝐸𝐼 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎

𝐼 = 2 𝑥 108 𝑚𝑚4

Figure 5

Solutions
a) Calculations of the Distribution Factors DF:
We only calculate DF at joints B and C since they are the only ones that are free to rotate.
At joint B (When joint B is released, joint C is assumed to be clamped):
𝐾𝐵𝐴 𝐼/6
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 = = = 0.5
𝐾𝐵𝐴 + 𝐾𝐵𝐶 𝐼/6 + 𝐼/6
𝐾𝐵𝐶 𝐼/6
𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 = = = 0.5
𝐾𝐵𝐶 + 𝐾𝐵𝐴 𝐼/6 + 𝐼/6

At joint C (When joint C is released, joint B is assumed to be clamped):

𝐾𝐶𝐵 𝐼/6
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 = = = 0.455
𝐾𝐶𝐵 + 𝐾𝐶𝐷 𝐼/6 + 𝐼/5
𝐾𝐶𝐷 𝐼/5
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 = = = 0.545
𝐾𝐶𝐷 + 𝐾𝐶𝐵 𝐼/6 + 𝐼/6

The sum of the DFs at each joint must always equal 1.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

b) Calculations of the Fixed-end Moments FEMs:

𝑤𝐿2 25 𝑥 62
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐵 = = = 75 𝑘𝑁𝑚
12 12
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −75 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑃𝐿 150 𝑥 6
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐶 = = = 112.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚
8 8
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐵 = −112.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

c) Balancing joints B and C – Carrying over moments at joints:

1. Unbalanced moment at B = 𝑀 = −75 + 112.5 = 37.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at B:
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 37.5 = −18.75 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 37.5 = −18.75 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at AB and CB:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐵 = −18.75 𝑥 0.5 = −9.38 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐵 = −18.75𝑥 0.5 = −9.38 𝑘𝑁𝑚

2. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −112.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.455 𝑥 (−112.5) = 51.19 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.545 𝑥 (−112.5) = 61.31 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at BC and DC:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 51.19 𝑥 0.5 = 25.60 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 61.31𝑥 0.5 = 30.66 𝑘𝑁𝑚

3. Unbalanced moment at B = 𝑀 = 25.60 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at B:
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 25.60 = −12.80 𝑘𝑁𝑚

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 25.60 = −12.80 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Carry Over Moments at AB and CB:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐵 = −12.80 𝑥 0.5 = −6.40 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐵 = −12.80 𝑥 0.5 = −6.40 𝑘𝑁𝑚

4. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −9.38 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.455 𝑥 (−9.38) = 4.27 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.545 𝑥 (−9.38) = 5.11 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at BC and DC:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 4.27 𝑥 0.5 = 2.14 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 5.11𝑥 0.5 = 2.56 𝑘𝑁𝑚

5. Unbalanced moment at B = 𝑀 = 2.14 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at B:
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 2.14 = −1.07 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 2.14 = −1.07 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at AB and CB:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐵 = −1.07 𝑥 0.5 = −0.54 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐵 = −1.07 𝑥 0.5 = −0.54 𝑘𝑁𝑚

6. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −6.4 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.455 𝑥 (−6.4) = 2.91 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.545 𝑥 (−6.4) = 3.49 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at BC and DC:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 2.91 𝑥 0.5 = 1.46 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 3.49𝑥 0.5 = 1.75 𝑘𝑁𝑚

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

7. Unbalanced moment at B = 𝑀 = 1.46 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at B:
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 1.46 = −0.73 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 1.46 = −0.73 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at AB and CB:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐵 = −0.73 𝑥 0.5 = −0.37 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐵 = −0.73 𝑥 0.5 = −0.37 𝑘𝑁𝑚

8. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −0.54 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.455 𝑥 (−0.54) = 0.25 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.545 𝑥 (−0.54) = 0.29 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at BC and DC:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 0.25 𝑥 0.5 = 0.13 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 0.29 𝑥 0.5 = 0.15 𝑘𝑁𝑚

9. Unbalanced moment at B = 𝑀 = 0.13 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at B:
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 0.13 = −0.07 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐵𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐵𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 0.13 = −0.07 𝑘𝑁𝑚
We stop the analysis because the balanced moments at the joints are relatively very small.

10. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −0.37 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments DM at C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.455 𝑥 (−0.37) = 0.17 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.545 𝑥 (−0.37) = 0.20 𝑘𝑁𝑚
We stop the analysis because the balanced moments at the joints are relatively very small
and also because we decided to stop the analysis for joint B.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

d) Moment-Distribution Table:

Example 3: Determine the member end moments for the continuous beam shown in the Figure
below:
𝐸𝐼 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

Figure 6

Example 4: Determine the member end moments for the continuous beam shown in the Figure
below:

𝐸𝐼 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

Figure 7

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

Example 5: Determine the member end moments for the three-span continuous beam shown in the
Figure below due to the UDL and due to the support settlement of 15 mm at B, 36 mm at C and
18 mm at D, using the moment distribution method. 𝐸𝐼 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎

𝐼 = 1705 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4

Figure 7

2.8 Analysis of frames without side sway

The procedure for the analysis of frames without side sway is similar to that for the analysis of
continuous beams. However, unlike the continuous beams, more than two members may be
connected to a joint of a frame.

Example 6: Determine the member end moments for the frame below using the moment-
distribution method.

𝐼 = 600 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4 𝐼 = 600 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4

𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4
𝐼 = 300

𝐼 = 300

𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎

Figure 8
Solutions

a) Calculations of the Distribution Factors DF: DFs will be calculated at C, D and E

𝐼 300 𝑥 106
𝐾𝐶𝐴 = = = 75000
𝐿 4000
𝐼 600 𝑥 106
𝐾𝐶𝐷 = = = 100000
𝐿 6000

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝐼 600 𝑥 106
𝐾𝐷𝐶 = = = 100000
𝐿 6000
𝐼 300 𝑥 106
𝐾𝐷𝐵 = = = 75000
𝐿 4000
3 𝐼 3 600 𝑥 106
𝐾𝐷𝐸 = = 𝑥 = 75000
4𝐿 4 6000
𝐼 600 𝑥 106
𝐾𝐸𝐷 = = = 100000
𝐿 6000

At joint C,
𝐾𝐶𝐴 75000
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 = = = 0.429
𝐾𝐶𝐴 + 𝐾𝐶𝐷 75000 + 100000
𝐾𝐶𝐷 100000
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 = = = 0.571
𝐾𝐶𝐷 + 𝐾𝐶𝐴 100000 + 75000

At joint D,
𝐾𝐷𝐶 100000
𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 = = = 0.4
𝐾𝐷𝐶 + 𝐾𝐷𝐵 + 𝐾𝐷𝐸 100000 + 75000 + 75000
𝐾𝐷𝐵 75000
𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 = = = 0.3
𝐾𝐷𝐶 + 𝐾𝐷𝐵 + 𝐾𝐷𝐸 250000
𝐾𝐷𝐸 75000
𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐸 = = = 0.3
𝐾𝐷𝐶 + 𝐾𝐷𝐵 + 𝐾𝐷𝐸 250000

At joint E,
𝐾𝐸𝐷 100000
𝐷𝐹𝐸𝐷 = = =1
𝐾𝐸𝐷 100000

Note that the sum of DFs at a joint must equal to 1.

b) Calculations of Fixed-end Moments FEM:

𝑃𝐿 200 𝑥 4
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐶 = = = 100 𝑘𝑁𝑚
8 8
𝑃𝐿 200 𝑥 4
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐴 =− =− = −100 𝑘𝑁𝑚
8 8

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝑤𝐿2 50 𝑥 62
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐷 = = = 150 𝑘𝑁𝑚
12 12
𝑤𝐿2 50 𝑥 62
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐶 =− =− = −150 𝑘𝑁𝑚
12 12
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐵 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐸 = 150 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐸𝐷 = −150 𝑘𝑁𝑚

c) Balanced and Carry Over Moments:

1. Unbalanced moment at C= 𝑀 = −100 + 150 = 50 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Distributed Moments at joint C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.429 𝑥 50 = −21.45 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.571 𝑥 50 = −28.55 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at A and D:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = (−21.45) 𝑥 0.5 = −10.725 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = (−28.55) 𝑥 0.5 = −14.275 𝑘𝑁𝑚

2. Unbalanced moment at D= 𝑀 = −150 + 150 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint D:
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.4 𝑥 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐸 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at C, E and B:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 0 𝑥 0.5 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐸𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐸𝐷 = 0 𝑥 0.5 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 0 𝑥 0.5 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

3. Unbalanced moment at E= 𝑀 = −150 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint E:
𝐷𝑀𝐸𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐸𝐷 . 𝑀 = −1 𝑥 (−150) = 150 𝑘𝑁𝑚

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

Carry Over Moments at D:

𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐸 = 𝐷𝑀𝐸𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 150 𝑥 0.5 = 75 𝑘𝑁𝑚

4. Unbalanced moment at C= 𝑀 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at A and D:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
5. Unbalanced moment at D= 𝑀 = −14.275 + 75 = 60.725 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Distributed Moments at joint D:
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.4 𝑥 60.725 = −24.29 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐸 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 60.725 = −18.218 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 60.725 = −18.218 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at C, E and B:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = (−24.29)𝑥 0.5 = −12.145 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐸𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐸𝐷 = (−18.218) 𝑥 0(𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑) = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = (−18.218)𝑥 0.5 = −9.109 𝑘𝑁𝑚

6. Unbalanced moment at C= 𝑀 = −12.145 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.429 𝑥 (−12.145) = 5.210 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.571 𝑥 (−12.145) = 6.935 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at A and D:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 5.210 𝑥 0.5 = 2.55 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 6.935 𝑥 0.5 = 3.468 𝑘𝑁𝑚

7. Unbalanced moment at D= 𝑀 = 3.468 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint D:
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.4 𝑥 3.468 = −1.387 𝑘𝑁𝑚

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐸 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 3.468 = −1.040 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 3.468 = −1.040 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at C, E and B:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = (−1.387)𝑥 0.5 = −0.694 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐸𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐸𝐷 = (−1.040) 𝑥 0(𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑) = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = (−1.040)𝑥 0.5 = −0.52 𝑘𝑁𝑚

8. Unbalanced moment at C= 𝑀 = −0.694 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.429 𝑥 (−0.694) = 0.298 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.571 𝑥 (−0.694) = 0.396 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at A and D:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 0.298 𝑥 0.5 = 0.149 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 0.396 𝑥 0.5 = 0.198 𝑘𝑁𝑚

9. Unbalanced moment at D= 𝑀 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint D:
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.4 𝑥 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐸 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 0 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at C, E and B:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐸𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐸𝐷 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

10. Unbalanced moment at C= 𝑀 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint C:
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
Carry Over Moments at A and D:
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚

11. Unbalanced moment at D= 𝑀 = 0.198 𝑘𝑁𝑚

Distributed Moments at joint D:
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.4 𝑥 0.198 = −0.079 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐸 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐸 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 0.198 = −0.059 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.3 𝑥 0.198 = −0.059 𝑘𝑁𝑚
We stop the analysis because the balanced moments are too small.

d) Moment-Distribution Table:

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

Example 7: Determine the member end moments for the frame below using the moment-
distribution method.

𝐸𝐼 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝐸 = 200 𝐺𝑃𝑎
𝐼 = 1360 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚4

Figure 9

2.9 Analysis of frames with side sway

• In this section, we apply the moment-distribution method to analyze frames whose joints may
undergo both rotations and translations.
• Let’s consider the frame in the figure below which is free to rotate and translate at joints C and
D. However, since the members of the frame are assumed to be inextensible and the
deformations are assumed to be small, the joints C and D displace by the same amount, ∆, in
the horizontal direction only.
• The Moment-Distribution analysis of such a frame is carried out in two parts:
1. In the first part, the side sway of the frame is prevented by adding an imaginary roller to
the structure. External loads are then applied to this frame, and member end moments are
computed by applying the moment-distribution process in the usual manner.
With the member end moments known, the force (reaction) R that develops at the imaginary
support is evaluated by applying the equations of equilibrium (Calculations of shears and
reactions).

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

***Calculations - Part I

Figure 10

2. In the second part of the analysis, the frame is subjected to the force R, which is applied in
the opposite direction.
• The moments that develop at the ends are determined and superimposed on the moments
computed in the first parts to obtain the member end moments in the actual frame.
𝑀 = 𝑀𝑜 + 𝑀𝑅 (28)
Where M denotes the member end moments in the actual frame
𝑀𝑜 denotes the member end moments in the frame with side sway prevented
𝑀𝑅 denotes the member end moments in the frame subjected to R
• To calculate 𝑀𝑅 that develop from the application of the lateral force (side sway), we
follow the procedure below:
a) Since the moment distribution method cannot be used directly to compute the moments
(𝑀𝑅 ) due to the known lateral force R.
We employ a method whereby we first assume that the frame is subjected to an arbitrary
known joint translation ∆′ caused by an unknown load Q acting at the location and in
the direction of R.
b) We arbitrarily assume a numerical value for one of the FEMs subjected to the
translation ∆′ , and evaluate ∆′ from the expression of the FEM. The value of ∆′ thus
obtained is used to calculate the remaining FEMs as far as ∆′ is involved.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

***Calculations - Part II

Figure 11

c) The Fixed-End Moments FEMs are then distributed using the moment distribution
method to determine 𝑀𝑄 , the member end moments caused by the unknown force Q.
d) Determine Q using equations of equilibrium (Calculations of shear and reactions).
e) With the load Q and the corresponding moment 𝑀𝑄 known, the desired moment 𝑀𝑅
due to the lateral load R can now be determined:
𝑅
𝑀𝑅 = (𝑄) . 𝑀𝑄 (29)

Substituting Equation 29 in 28:

𝑅
𝑀 = 𝑀𝑜 + (𝑄) . 𝑀𝑄 (30)

Example 8: Determine the member end moments for the frame below using the moment-
distribution method.

Figure 12
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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

Solution

a) Calculations of DFs: We calculate DFs for joints C and D

𝐾𝐶𝐴 𝐼 ⁄7
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 = = = 0.5
𝐾𝐶𝐴 + 𝐾𝐶𝐷 𝐼 ⁄7 + 𝐼 ⁄7
𝐾𝐶𝐷 𝐼 ⁄7
𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 = = = 0.5
𝐾𝐶𝐴 + 𝐾𝐶𝐷 𝐼 ⁄7 + 𝐼 ⁄7
𝐾𝐷𝐶 𝐼 ⁄7
𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 = = = 0.417
𝐾𝐷𝐶 + 𝐾𝐷𝐵 𝐼 ⁄7 + 𝐼 ⁄5
𝐾𝐷𝐵 𝐼 ⁄5
𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 = = = 0.583
𝐾𝐷𝐶 + 𝐾𝐷𝐵 𝐼 ⁄7 + 𝐼 ⁄5

b) Calculations of FEMs
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐴 = 0 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝑃𝑎𝑏 2 40 𝑥 3 𝑥 42
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐷 = = = 39.18 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐿2 72
𝑃𝑎2 𝑏 40 𝑥 32 𝑥 4
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐶 = − = − = −29.39 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐿2 72

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

c) Part I - Calculations of 𝑀𝑜 : Balanced and Carry over moments

1. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = 39.18 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 39.18 = −19.59 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 39.18 = −19.59 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = (−19.59) 𝑥 0.5 = −9.795 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = (−19.59) 𝑥 0.5 = −9.795 𝑘𝑁𝑚

2. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = −29.39 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 (−29.39) = 12.256 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 (−29.39) = 17.134 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 12.256 𝑥 0.5 = 6.128 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 17.134 𝑥 0.5 = 8.567 𝑘𝑁𝑚

3. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = 6.128 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 6.128 = −3.064 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 6.128 = −3.064 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = (−3.064) 𝑥 0.5 = −1.532 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = (−3.064) 𝑥 0.5 = −1.532 𝑘𝑁𝑚

4. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = −9.795 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 (−9.795) = 4.085 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 (−9.795) = 5.710 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 4.085 𝑥 0.5 = 2.043 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 5.710 𝑥 0.5 = 2.855 𝑘𝑁𝑚

5. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = 2.043 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 2.043 = −1.022 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 2.043 = −1.022 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = (−1.022) 𝑥 0.5 = −0.511 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = (−1.022) 𝑥 0.5 = −0.511 𝑘𝑁𝑚

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

6. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = −1.532 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 (−1.532) = 0.639 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 (−1.532) = 0.893 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 0.639 𝑥 0.5 = 0.320 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 0.893 𝑥 0.5 = 0.447 𝑘𝑁𝑚

7. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = 0.320 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 0.320 = −0.160 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 0.320 = −0.160 𝑘𝑁𝑚
We stop the analysis since the balanced moments are too small.

8. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = −0.511 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 (−0.511) = 0.213 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 (−0.511) = 0.298 𝑘𝑁𝑚
We stop the analysis since the balanced moments are too small.

d) Part I – Moment distribution table

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

e) Calculations of shear forces due to 𝑀0

∑ 𝑀𝐶 ↺ += 0: 𝑀𝐴𝐶 + 𝑀𝐶𝐴 − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 . 7 = 0

−11.838 − 23.836 = 𝑉𝐴𝐶 . 7

𝑉𝐴𝐶 = −5.10 𝑘𝑁 ←

𝑉𝐶𝐴 = 5.10 𝑘𝑁 ←

∑ 𝑀𝐷 ↺ += 0: 𝑀𝐵𝐷 + 𝑀𝐷𝐵 − 𝑉𝐵𝐷 . 5 = 0

11.869 + 24.035 = 𝑉𝐵𝐷 . 5

𝑉𝐵𝐷 = 7.18 𝑘𝑁 ←

𝑉𝐷𝐵 = −7.18 𝑘𝑁 ←

∑ 𝑀𝐷 ↺ += 0: 𝑀𝐶𝐷 + 𝑀𝐷𝐶 + (40 𝑥 4) − 𝑉𝐶𝐷 . 7 = 0

23.835 − 24.035 + (40 𝑥 4) = 𝑉𝐶𝐷 . 7

𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 22.83 𝑘𝑁 ←

𝑉𝐷𝐶 = 17.17 𝑘𝑁 ←

f) Calculations of reaction due to 𝑀0

Reactions at A: 𝑅𝐴𝐻 = 𝑉𝐴𝐶 = −5.10 𝑘𝑁 ←
𝑅𝐴𝑉 = 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 22.83 𝑘𝑁 ↑
Reactions at B: 𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 𝑉𝐵𝐷 = 7.18 𝑘𝑁 ←
𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 𝑉𝐷𝐶 = 17.17 𝑘𝑁 ↑

g) Calculations of R
Reaction at Roller C: ∑ 𝐹𝑥 → += 0: 𝑅 − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 − 𝑉𝐵𝐷 = 0
𝑅 − (−5.10) − 7.18 = 0
𝑅 = 2.08 𝑘𝑁 →

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

The restraining force acts to the right, indicating that if the roller would not have been in
place, the frame would have swayed to the left.
h) Part II - Calculations of 𝑀𝑄

• Since the actual frame is not supported by a roller at joint C, we neutralize the effect of the
restraining force by applying a lateral load Q = R = 2.08 kN but in the opposite direction
of R.
i) Calculations of ∆′ and 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑠
6𝐸𝐼∆′ 6𝐸𝐼∆′ 6𝐸𝐼∆′
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐴 = − = − = −
𝐿2 72 49
6𝐸𝐼∆′
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −
25
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐵 = 0
• We then arbitrarily assume that
6𝐸𝐼∆′
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐴 = − = −50 𝑘𝑁 (Note that 50 kN is chosen arbitrarily, you can
49

pick any value that suits you)

Solving this equation gives:
408.3
∆′ =
𝐸𝐼
Substituting ∆′ in the equations of 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐵
6𝐸𝐼 408.3
𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐵 = − 𝑥
25 𝐸𝐼

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −98 𝑘𝑁𝑚 (these moments can now be used in the MD process)
j) Part II- Calculations of 𝑀𝑄 : Balanced and Carry over moments
1. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −50 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 (−50) = 25 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 (−50) = 25 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 25 𝑥 0.5 = 12.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 25 𝑥 0.5 = 12.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚

2. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = −98 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 (−98) = 40.866 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 (−98) = 57.134 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 40.866 𝑥 0.5 = 20.433 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 57.134 𝑥 0.5 = 28.567 𝑘𝑁𝑚

3. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = 20.433 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 20.433 = −10.217 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 20.433 = −10.217 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = −10.217 𝑥 0.5 = −5.109 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = −10.217 𝑥 0.5 = −5.109 𝑘𝑁𝑚

4. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = 12.5 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 12.5 = −5.213 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 12.5 = −7.288 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = (−5.213 )𝑥 0.5 = −2.607 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = (−7.288)𝑥 0.5 = −3.644 𝑘𝑁𝑚

5. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −2.607 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 (−2.607) = 1.304 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 (−2.607) = 1.304 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 1.304 𝑥 0.5 = 0.652 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 1.304 𝑥 0.5 = 0.652 𝑘𝑁𝑚
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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

6. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = −5.109 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 (−5.109) = 2.130 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 (−5.109) = 2.979 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 2.130 𝑥 0.5 = 1.065 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 2.979 𝑥 0.5 = 1.490 𝑘𝑁𝑚

7. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = 1.065 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 1.065 = −0.533 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 1.065 = −0.533 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐴𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐶 = (−0.533) 𝑥 0.5 = −0.267 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐷𝐶 = 𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = (−0.533) 𝑥 0.5 = −0.267 𝑘𝑁𝑚

8. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = 0.652 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 0.652 = −0.272 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 0.652 = −0.380 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = (−0.272) 𝑥 0.5 = −0.136 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐶𝑂𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 . 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐷 = (−0.380)𝑥 0.5 = −0.190 𝑘𝑁𝑚

9. Unbalanced moment at C = 𝑀 = −0.136 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐴 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 (−0.136) = 0.068 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐶𝐷 = −𝐷𝐹𝐶𝐷 . 𝑀 = −0.5 𝑥 (−0.136) = 0.068 𝑘𝑁𝑚
We stop the analysis since the balanced moments are too small.

10. Unbalanced moment at D = 𝑀 = −0.267 𝑘𝑁𝑚

𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐶 . 𝑀 = −0.417𝑥 (−0.267) = 0.111 𝑘𝑁𝑚
𝐷𝑀𝐷𝐵 = −𝐷𝐹𝐷𝐵 . 𝑀 = −0.583 𝑥 (−0.267) = 0.156 𝑘𝑁𝑚
We stop the analysis since the balanced moments are too small.

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

k) Part II – Moment distribution table

l) Calculations of shear forces due to 𝑀𝑄

∑ 𝑀𝐶 ↺ += 0: 𝑀𝐴𝐶 + 𝑀𝐶𝐴 − 𝑉𝐴𝐶 . 7 = 0

−42.224 − 34.378 = 𝑉𝐴𝐶 . 7

𝑉𝐴𝐶 = −10.94 𝑘𝑁 ←

𝑉𝐶𝐴 = 10.94 𝑘𝑁 ←

∑ 𝑀𝐷 ↺ += 0: 𝑀𝐵𝐷 + 𝑀𝐷𝐵 − 𝑉𝐵𝐷 . 5 = 0

−45.399 − 71.777 = 𝑉𝐵𝐷 . 5

𝑉𝐵𝐷 = −23.435 𝑘𝑁 ←

𝑉𝐷𝐵 = 23.435 𝑘𝑁 ←

∑ 𝑀𝐷 ↺ += 0: 𝑀𝐶𝐷 + 𝑀𝐷𝐶 − 𝑉𝐶𝐷 . 7 = 0

34.377 + 45.398 = 𝑉𝐶𝐷 . 7

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 11.40 𝑘𝑁 ←

𝑉𝐷𝐶 = −11.40 𝑘𝑁 ←

m) Calculations of reaction due to 𝑀𝑄

Reactions at A: 𝑅𝐴𝐻 = 𝑉𝐴𝐶 = −10.94 𝑘𝑁 ←
𝑅𝐴𝑉 = 𝑉𝐶𝐷 = 11.40 𝑘𝑁 ↑
Reactions at B: 𝑅𝐵𝐻 = 𝑉𝐵𝐷 = −23.435 𝑘𝑁 ←
𝑅𝐵𝑉 = 𝑉𝐷𝐶 = −11.40 𝑘𝑁 ↑

n) Calculation of Q
∑ 𝐹𝑥 ← += 0: 𝑄 + 𝑉𝐴𝐶 + 𝑉𝐵𝐷 = 0
𝑄 − 10.94 − 23.435 = 0
𝑄 = 34.38 𝑘𝑁

o) Calculations of actual Member end Moments M

𝑅
𝑀 = 𝑀𝑜 + ( ) . 𝑀𝑄
𝑄

2.08
𝑀𝐴𝐶 = −11.838 + ( ) 𝑥 (−42.224) = −14.39 𝑘𝑁𝑚
34.38

2.08
𝑀𝐶𝐴 = −11.838 + ( ) 𝑥 (−34.378) = −25.92 𝑘𝑁𝑚
34.38

2.08
𝑀𝐶𝐷 = 23.835 + ( ) 𝑥 (34.377) = 25.91 𝑘𝑁𝑚
34.38

2.08
𝑀𝐷𝐶 = −24.035 + ( ) 𝑥 (45.398) = −21.29 𝑘𝑁𝑚
34.38

2.08
𝑀𝐷𝐵 = 24.035 + ( ) 𝑥 (−45.399) = 21.29 𝑘𝑁𝑚
34.38

2.08
𝑀𝐵𝐷 = 11.869 + ( ) 𝑥 (−71.777) = 7.53 𝑘𝑁𝑚
34.38

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

Example 9: Determine the member end moments for the frame below using the moment-
distribution method.

E = constant

Figure 13

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Structural Analysis 4 ECSAN4A Lecturer: Joella N. Mukalay

References
Kassimali A., 2015, Structural Analysis, 5th Edition, Cengage.

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